Andrew, a tow truck driver, was driving through a wooded area in Fort Wayne, Indiana, when he noticed a curious little face peeking out from the sticks and mud. Curious, he halted his truck to investigate.
Hide And Seek
Upon approaching the area where he spotted the face, Andrew’s instincts proved correct; hiding in the woods was a small, frightened brown dog. Before the pup could scurry away, he snapped a photo and shared it on his Facebook page, hoping someone might recognize him. He also reached out to Lost Dogs of Fort Wayne, a platform dedicated to reconnecting lost pets with their owners, in hopes of finding the dog’s rightful home.
Rescue Mission
When the owner of the LDFW group came across the photo of the adorable pup, she and another animal lover quickly set out to find him. Joined by four more volunteers eager to help, the search party soon spotted him across a creek. They carefully captured the little guy and transported him to Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control (FWACC).
At The Shelter
After receiving the necessary medical care, the shelter staff named the dog Joey. “When we heard of how many people … were willing to drop everything they were doing to come rescue Joey, it gave us hope. His rescue is a testimony to how powerful a group of animal lovers can be,” said Delaney Atkinson, FWACC community outreach educator. Although Joey seemed a bit lethargic upon arrival, he quickly perked up when given toys to play with, enjoying himself immensely.
With time, Joey’s health and confidence surged, transforming him into a vibrant, happy pup. His journey became a source of inspiration among the FWACC staff, reinforcing their belief that one’s past does not define them. Despite his hardships, Joey radiated happiness.
Forever Home
Impressed by Joey’s incredible story, the shelter staff shared updates on their Facebook, hoping to inspire others as he had inspired them. Not long after, a woman visiting the shelter noticed this brave little pup. The moment they locked eyes, it was clear they were meant for each other. Now, as a beloved member of a family that includes another dog and two cats, Joey lives a life filled with love and joy, fulfilling the dreams he had longed for.
