On a stormy night in San Antonio, Animal Care Officer Perry received an urgent call about a homeless Pit Bull seen barking at a door in the neighborhood. Concerned about the potential danger, the caller described the dog as aggressive, prompting Officer Perry to quickly head to the scene.
As she arrived in the cold and searched for the dog, Perry braced herself to encounter a large, defensive animal. Instead, she found a small, frightened puppy nestled against an old car seat amid a pile of trash, shivering in the chilly air as she sought warmth and safety.
Despite the initial warning, Perry felt surprised and deeply moved by the sight before her. Determined to help, she approached the dog, later named Martha, recognizing the signs of a pup who had spent too long surviving on the streets—her ribs starkly visible against her thin body.
At first, Martha seemed unsure whether to trust Perry. As the officer gently spoke to her, Martha cautiously agreed to accept the help she desperately needed. Perry carefully wrapped the little dog in a blanket and took her to her vehicle, where Martha’s demeanor changed. She wagged her tail, expressing gratitude and relief.
“It was amazing how quickly she came around,” Perry shared with The Dodo. “It was like she knew I was there to help her.”
At the City of San Antonio Animal Care Services, Martha received a warm welcome along with a nutritious meal she eagerly devoured. A medical examination by the veterinary team revealed that Martha was malnourished, had heartworm, and had previously given birth to puppies.
Perry placed her in a kennel filled with various stuffed toys, allowing Martha to pick her favorite—a stuffed teddy bear. The shelter staff knew she needed a nurturing foster home where she could discover what it meant to be a dog. They shared her story on Facebook, hoping someone would give Martha the care and attention she needed.
The Mains family came across Martha’s story and felt a strong desire to foster her and support her journey toward finding a permanent home. When they arrived at the shelter to bring her home, Martha showed her appreciation by showering them with kisses.
Transitioning to her new life with the Mains family, Martha met her three foster dog siblings, who have been helping her learn the ropes of being a dog. With the encouragement and love from her foster family, Martha gradually started to come out of her shell.
Now, she’s perfectly at home, following her foster parents everywhere, even sharing their bed at night. “Her fosters say she has settled in well,” Lisa Norwood, public relations manager for City of San Antonio Animal Care Services, told The Dodo. “Martha’s learning the ways of being a dog, and her foster mom notes she’s coming along beautifully.”
Currently, Martha continues her heartworm treatment and is steadily gaining weight, while still having fun with her toys—her beloved teddy bear remains a favorite. Soon, she will be ready to look for a forever family who will offer her the unconditional love she deserves.
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