Smiley, a remarkable rescue dog, has faced many hardships in her life, yet she never stopped living up to her name. Despite being shot and hit by a car, she arrived at the Pender County Animal Shelter in North Carolina with a bright, positive attitude. Her ability to keep smiling in the face of adversity has captured the hearts of her rescuers and all who have heard her story. Though her past is shrouded in mystery, what’s certain is that Smiley’s future will be filled with love, thanks to the dedicated team at the shelter.
Smiley the Rescue Dog Survives Both a Gunshot and Being Hit by a Car
Smiley’s Second Chance at Life
Smiley’s journey to safety began when animal control received a call about a stray dog wandering the streets. When rescuers found her, they were heartbroken by her condition. Severely malnourished with a swollen leg, it was clear she had suffered for some time. Neighbors reported that Smiley might have been hit by a car several weeks before her rescue, and further examination revealed that she had recently been shot as well. Despite the pain she must have been in, Smiley greeted her rescuers with a wagging tail and a smile.
The shelter knew they had to act quickly to save her. They postponed all other appointments to prioritize her care, and after assessing her injuries, the difficult decision was made to amputate her leg. Amazingly, even after such a traumatic procedure, Smiley remained upbeat. She continued to wag her tail, smile at her caregivers, and even showed her excitement for dinner immediately after surgery. This resilient dog had clearly endured a lot, but her spirit remained unbroken.
A Mysterious Past
As Smiley’s story spread, a strange coincidence emerged. After the shelter shared photos of her on social media, someone came forward, claiming to recognize her. According to this individual, Smiley’s previous owner had also called her by that same name. While many details about her past remain unclear, it’s suspected that Smiley’s human may have been absent from her life for quite some time. There is even speculation that her previous owner might be on the run from the law, although this remains unconfirmed.
Smiley is estimated to be between 8 to 10 years old and is believed to be a Hound mix. Given her age and condition, it’s likely that she spent a significant portion of her life on the streets, possibly giving birth to several litters of puppies along the way. While her physical wounds are being tended to, her emotional recovery is just beginning. The shelter is closely monitoring her progress to determine when, or if, she will be ready for adoption. Smiley undoubtedly deserves a peaceful and loving home for the remainder of her life, but her future will depend on how well she adjusts after her amputation.
Never Give Up
Throughout her ordeal, Smiley’s perseverance and positivity have been a source of inspiration. Her unwavering spirit, despite the challenges she has faced, is a testament to the resilience of animals and their capacity to love and trust again, even after enduring severe trauma. Smiley’s story serves as a reminder that many dogs, like her, are struggling on the streets, often unnoticed and in desperate need of help. The Pender County Animal Shelter emphasizes the importance of speaking up when you see a dog in trouble. Who knows how much longer Smiley might have suffered had no one called to report her?
Rescue organizations like Pender County Animal Shelter rely on the support of the community to continue their life-saving work. Smiley’s medical care alone cost the shelter hundreds of dollars, and they need ongoing financial support to ensure that dogs like her receive the treatment they need. Donations, whether through checks or phone-in contributions, help provide food, shelter, medical care, and hope for these animals.
Never Give Up
A Bright Future for Smiley
While Smiley’s road to recovery is far from over, her future looks brighter with each passing day. The shelter staff is committed to giving her the best possible care as she continues to heal from her physical injuries. Though she may never fully recover from the emotional scars of her past, the love and care she is now receiving will help her trust again and allow her to live the rest of her life in comfort and happiness.
A Bright Future for Smiley
As she continues to smile through her healing process, Smiley stands as a symbol of hope and resilience for other rescue animals. Her story encourages us all to show compassion and to remember that every dog, no matter their past, deserves a second chance. With the help of dedicated rescuers and the generosity of donors, Smiley’s future is filled with the promise of love, safety, and a happy home where she can finally rest and enjoy the peace she has long deserved.
Smiley’s journey is a powerful reminder that even the most broken souls can heal with the right care and compassion. As her name suggests, Smiley will keep on smiling, reminding us all of the joy that comes from giving a second chance to those who need it most.
