The team at Saving Hope Rescue (SHR) is deeply committed to rescuing animals in and around Fort Worth, Texas, diligently searching the city for injured and homeless pets every day. While their usual rescue efforts stay local, a recent photo of a dog living in a box eight hours away compelled them to extend their help.
“After spotting a picture of this sweet girl in a cardboard box, we arranged for her to be transported to the DFW area,” SHR shared on Facebook.
The homeless dog, later named Ridley, resided farther away than most of their rescues, but the SHR staff was resolute in their mission to save her life. Volunteers rallied to bring Ridley to SHR’s emergency clinic, where she was greeted with warm embraces from the veterinary team upon arrival.
Ridley was just a tiny pup when she first crossed paths with her rescuers at SHR. Despite her lively puppy spirit, she was grappling with health issues. Following a thorough medical examination, the veterinary team uncovered the root cause.
“We discovered she had a serious heart defect,” SHR revealed. “It could only be remedied with a balloon valvuloplasty procedure at Texas A&M.”
As Ridley awaited approval for her procedure, she embarked on a journey to a nurturing foster home to unwind. There, she encountered a couple of foster siblings whom she quickly formed a strong bond with. For the first time, she experienced the warmth of being part of a family.
“Ridley is a petite, energetic 3-month-old pup who adores big dogs and everyone she meets,” Ridley’s foster parents penned in a message to SHR, later shared on Facebook. “She’s incredibly intelligent and picks up on things fast … She’s a spirited little pup overflowing with affection!”
The shelter staff diligently pursued funding for Ridley’s heart procedure, while she flourished in her foster home. She excelled in learning basic commands, forged strong bonds with her older canine companions, and developed a fondness for enrichment toys.
Though her health remained a priority, Ridley’s joyful demeanor indicated steady improvement.
After months of anticipation, Ridley underwent her life-saving surgery in April. True to her resilient nature, she navigated through the procedure with determination and is now steadily recovering. The good news is, she can finally bid farewell to any worries about her heart condition.
“With this surgery, Ridley is set for a complete recovery and can enjoy a fulfilling life ahead,” SHR announced on Facebook.
Ridley is anticipated to make a full recovery soon and is currently relishing cozy snuggle sessions with her foster parents, Erin and Charles O’Brien. Once she’s completely healed, she’ll be ready for adoption, and her caring foster parents are optimistic that she’ll find a family as wonderful as she is.
“She’s the epitome of a perfect little pittie girl…” Erin O’Brien remarked in a Facebook comment.