A black cocker spaniel found abandoned on the side of a busy road has captured the hearts of thousands of people after her rescue story went viral on social media.
On March 28, Pete Miller, a lorry driver traveling along the A18 near Grimsby, Lincolnshire, spotted the “quivering wreck” of a dog lying in a ditch. Distressed and soaked, the dog appeared terrified as traffic rushed by. Mr. Miller, unable to ignore the situation, immediately called for help.
“I could see her out of the corner of my eye, and she was just lying there, shaking,” Mr. Miller said. He named the dog Sally after one of his previous pets. He reached out to Immingham Dogs Home, who then coordinated with volunteer Erica Fox from Paw & Co, a local rescue centre in Keelby.
When Erica Fox arrived to collect Sally, she found the young cocker spaniel in poor condition—matted, smelly, and clearly traumatized. It is believed Sally may have come from a backyard breeder or puppy farm, likely used solely for breeding purposes.
Since the heart-wrenching story was shared on social media, the rescue centre has been flooded with requests to adopt Sally, with over 1,000 people expressing interest. The TikTok video detailing her rescue has amassed more than 1.5 million views, prompting an outpouring of support for the dog.
Despite the overwhelming interest, Sally is not yet ready for adoption. She is still recovering from the emotional and physical trauma she endured. While there are many other rescue dogs with similar stories, Sally’s unique story has captured a particularly strong public following.
“I couldn’t drive past and leave her,” said Mr. Miller. “It’s amazing to see how many people care, even though she’s not physically injured, but mentally she is. It’s going to take time to heal.”
The rescue team at Paw & Co is working with Sally to help her recover, and though the internet has rallied around her, her journey to a new home will take time.
Related topics:
Valerie the Daring Dachshund: A Heroic Tale of Survival
Geelong Council Denies Dog Breeding Permit in Clifton Springs
Autism-Related Genetic Mutation in Dogs Reveals Face Processing Deficits
