When Ali Tisdall first encountered a sweet pup named Scarlett, she had no idea the impact this adorable dog would have on her life. Scarlett had wandered into Tisdall’s neighborhood in Spring Creek Township, North Carolina, sporting a collar and seemingly searching for someone. A neighbor brought the pup to Tisdall’s home, assuming she belonged to them, and the Tisdall family felt an immediate desire to help.
As they caressed her, Scarlett beamed with joy, clearly grateful to meet such kind-hearted humans. The family bathed her and lavished her with attention, with the children continually showering her with love, which Scarlett absorbed happily.
The Pup’s Backstory
The family decided to keep Scarlett over the weekend to check for a microchip. As soon as she entered their home, she lay on the floor, feeling relaxed and safe. By the end of the weekend, Scarlett had melted the hearts of the entire family, and they had formed a strong connection with her.
The following Monday, they took Scarlett to the veterinarian to check for a microchip, and they discovered she had an owner. After speaking with Scarlett’s owner, Tisdall learned that he deeply loved the pup and had rescued her many years earlier. However, Scarlett lived as an outdoor dog alongside other pets due to family allergies and began suffering from separation anxiety when her owner started spending long hours at work.
Scarlett missed her loving owner and began escaping from home, trying to find him. “Ever since he’d switched jobs, she’d been escaping from their fenced yard and running down the highway. They tried various fencing solutions, but none worked,” Tisdall shared in an Instagram post.
A Difficult Decision
Understanding how much Scarlett’s owner cared for her, Tisdall offered to rehome her to ensure her safety. Scarlett’s dad agreed to consider the suggestion, but the Tisdall family, who had grown deeply fond of Scarlett, missed her dearly.
The next morning, Scarlett’s owner contacted Tisdall, realizing it was in Scarlett’s best interest to accept the offer and let her go. The Tisdalls were ecstatic when Scarlett finally moved in with them, showering her with love and attention.
While Scarlett thrived with her new family, her anxiety persisted, leading her to attempt to escape occasionally. Tisdall and her family recognized Scarlett’s anxious nature and understood that running away was her coping mechanism.
Scarlett’s Happy Ending
After conducting extensive research on how to alleviate Scarlett’s anxiety, Tisdall decided to incorporate daily morning runs into their routine. This not only helped Scarlett feel calmer but also strengthened their bond. Additionally, Tisdall’s husband took Scarlett on hikes, ensuring she joined them in all their adventures.
Slowly but surely, Scarlett transformed into a happy and content dog. Tisdall, who also struggles with anxiety, found a unique connection with Scarlett, stating, “I describe myself as both even-keeled and someone with anxiety. There’s a deep connection there that I haven’t felt with any other dog.” She realized that it was okay to open her heart.
“Scarlett made me realize that it’s okay to open your heart,” Tisdall shared in an interview.
Scarlett now lives her best life in North Carolina, surrounded by love and understanding. She enjoys going on adventures with her parents and the children who adore her.
