“She was apprehensive yet eager to leave.”
Maggie Hamilton, known fondly as Ma Mags within the rescue community, was on a mission to transport a rescue puppy to its new home when she decided to take a shortcut. Little did she know, this detour would lead her to an unexpected rescue.
“Around a mile down that road, I spotted what I initially thought was a white trash bag in the ditch. Then, I noticed it was moving,” Ma Mags, the founder of Ruby & Laurel Animal Rescue, recounted.
Without hesitation, she pulled over. Drawing closer, she realized that the ‘trash bag’ was actually a white pit bull puppy, peering out from the ditch, seeking help. Judging by her condition, Ma Mags surmised she hadn’t been there for long.
“I could sense her sweetness almost immediately. She wanted to come to me and was making eye contact,” Ma Mags shared. “She seemed hesitant but also eager to escape from there.”
Engaging with the puppy, Ma Mags noticed an immediate response. The pup swiftly crawled out of the ditch and nestled up to her rescuer. It was evident she was craving love and deeply grateful to have been found.
The pup, later given the endearing name Slurpee, was frail and battling mange, yet her irresistible personality radiated despite her hardships. Upon veterinary examination, it was revealed that Slurpee was actually 3 years old, not a young puppy as initially thought. Currently under the care of Ma Mags, she’s being fostered and steadily gaining strength each day.
“Day by day, her character blossoms,” Ma Mags expressed. “She’s always been sweet, but now she’s lively and starting to relish life. I cherish her wholeheartedly.”
Slurpee still has a journey of healing ahead, but she’s making strides. When she’s sufficiently recovered, she’ll be available for adoption — though Ma Mags admits it’s a tough decision to let her go.
“I’ve considered keeping her, but I already have five dogs of my own,” Ma Mags admitted. “Never say never — she might just become our mascot after everything she’s been through!”