“[S]he … didn’t look like she was doing OK.”
What started as a simple hike near Iztaccíhuatl turned into a life-saving moment—for both a dog and a human.
A Dog Appears Out Of Nowhere
While hiking through the forest, Fabiola Franyutti and her group noticed a small dog trailing behind them.
- She was completely alone
- Extremely thin
- Yet surprisingly friendly
Instead of keeping her distance, the dog:
- Walked alongside them
- Curled up at their feet
- Trusted them instantly
It was as if she had chosen them.
“If She Follows Me… I’ll Keep Her”
Fabiola made a quiet promise:
👉 If the dog stayed with her until the end of the hike, she would take her home.
And she did.
Step by step, the little dog followed her all the way back to the car.
That’s when she got her name: Shanti.
A Devastating Discovery
At the vet, Fabiola learned something heartbreaking.
Shanti had Canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) — a rare but contagious cancer in dogs.
Suddenly, everything made sense:
- Why she was alone
- Why she was so thin
- Why no one had come looking for her
She had likely been abandoned.
A Fighter Who Wanted To Live
Despite everything, Shanti never gave up.
“She’s a survivor,” Fabiola said.
The good news?
TVT is highly treatable.
Shanti began chemotherapy—and just three months later, she was cancer-free.
From Survival To Joy ✨
As her health improved, Shanti transformed:
- She gained weight
- Her energy returned
- Her gentle, loving personality blossomed
What was once a fragile, abandoned dog became a happy, affectionate companion.
Two Lives, One Rescue
Fabiola saved Shanti’s life.
But Shanti changed Fabiola’s life, too.
Their bond is a reminder that sometimes:
- The right connection happens by chance
- Animals know who to trust
- And one small decision can change everything
“I’m just so happy that we can grow together,” Fabiola said.
Sometimes, the one who follows you home…
is the one you were meant to find. 🐾💫