It was a bitterly cold day, with temperatures dropping to -15°C, when we spotted a dog running along the highway. His long, matted hair was filthy, and he looked exhausted from wandering for who knows how long. As we called out, “Come here, I will adopt you,” the dog stopped in his tracks. In that moment, hope flickered in his tired eyes.

He gazed at my own white dog with admiration, perhaps longing for the kind of love he had never known. Without hesitation, I brought him along on our journey, determined to give him the care he deserved.

The first stop was a nearby pet shop. There, staff trimmed his tangled fur and gave him a much-needed bath. I stocked up on food for our trip, and after just three days of rest, the dog had fully recovered—his energy and spirit restored.

To protect him from the harsh cold, I dressed him in a warm coat. He quickly became friends with our little dog, and I sensed this was the first time he had ever experienced companionship. As our trip came to an end, I spent time introducing both dogs to their new home and surroundings. They explored the town together, their curiosity and joy growing each day.

Seeing the happiness on his face was incredibly rewarding. For the first time in his life, he seemed truly content. To help him regain his strength, we fed him four meals a day, with snacks every afternoon and the best foods we could find—including plenty of fruit, which he devoured with delight. Sometimes, he seemed more like a herbivore than a dog, munching down whole carrots with enthusiasm.

Since his arrival, our family has been filled with laughter and happiness. After two months, his fur had grown back beautifully, and he gained healthy weight. We celebrated by taking him to a famous local stream for a picnic, where he still kept his old habit of hiding leftovers.

Though our time together was still new, we had already created countless memories. We surprised him with a birthday cake, marking the beginning of his new life. Then, something unexpected happened—he and our little dog became a family, and soon we welcomed three adorable puppies. The puppies grew quickly, their fur a blend of both parents. Two found loving homes, and we kept one to complete our family.

Now, whenever we have free time, we spend it with our dogs. The most important thing is that they are all happy and healthy. We even had our female dog spayed to ensure her well-being.

Looking back, rescuing that dog from the highway changed all of our lives for the better. We will continue to care for and love them, grateful for the joy they bring to our home.

Thank you for reading our story.