I have shared numerous stories about abandoned dogs facing dire hardships, but Maeve’s tragic tale is one that will forever linger in my memory. A heartless individual discarded this sweet pup, who deserved all the joy in the world, on the streets of Youngstown. Alone and forsaken, Maeve wandered through the area, desperately searching for scraps to quell her hunger. Tragically, a car struck her, leaving her injured and without assistance. Having experienced betrayal from humans far too many times, Maeve lost her trust in them, retreating into a shell of fear and pain.
Finding Peace
When Deputy Keith Stokes from the Mahoning County Dog Warden was informed about the terrified dog, he attempted to capture her numerous times, but Maeve was unwilling to trust him. “He had tried repeatedly, but she would never let him get close to her,” said Megan Zarlenga from the Mahoning County Dog Warden to The Dodo. The injured pup kept evading everyone until a week later, when she encountered Officer Megan Feidler. Feidler was disheartened to witness Maeve’s dire condition; she was nothing but skin and bones and was limping.
Soon after, Deputy Stokes arrived, and together with Officer Feidler, they cornered Maeve. Understanding her fear of him, Stokes stepped back, allowing Feidler to take the lead. Sitting on the ground, Feidler spoke softly to Maeve, trying to comfort her. Initially, the frightened dog gazed at Feidler with wary eyes, unsure if she could trust her. Gradually, Maeve chose to trust, laying down next to Feidler as she spoke soothingly and gently petted her.
“I felt so sad for her. She was obviously scared and very skinny. Eventually, she laid down next to me, and I’m just talking to her and petting her, letting her know it’s OK,” Feidler shared with The Dodo. Stokes handed Feidler a leash, which she gently slipped over Maeve’s neck. The weary dog was then carried to the van, where she exhaustedly lay down and closed her eyes.
Maeve’s Fight
Friends of Fido Animal Rescue, a local non-profit in Youngstown, took Maeve into their care and rushed her to the vet for evaluation. Unfortunately, her situation was critical. Alongside severe malnutrition, she suffered from multiple broken bones in her pelvis and lung injuries.
Both the veterinary staff and Maeve’s supporters were increasingly worried due to her refusal to eat or drink. To combat her dehydration, the vet team initiated IV fluids and provided oxygen support for her labored breathing. Everyone held onto hope that Maeve would soon regain her appetite and her lungs would heal.
As the veterinary team tirelessly worked toward Maeve’s recovery, her friends remained by her side, showering her with love and encouragement. “We need her to feel good again. We need her to know that she is loved more than she can imagine… more than she ever has been,” the shelter expressed on Facebook. Despite all efforts, Maeve’s condition deteriorated, and sadly, after a courageous fight for survival, she crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving behind heartbroken caregivers. At least Maeve departed this world knowing love, and now she rests peacefully in doggy heaven, free from pain and fear.
Many heartfelt thanks to Maeve’s rescuers and her devoted friends who stood by her until the very end.
