Sorrowful Dog Trapped In A Crate And Dumped In A Parking Lot Lights Up When She Sees Rescuers

Gertrude’s heart sank when she was left alone in a crate, abandoned in a parking lot with no way to escape or seek help. She could only wait, hoping someone kind would notice her plight and come to her rescue. Thankfully, her prayers were answered when a passerby spotted her and quickly called Animal Protection & Control. The team arrived swiftly, and their hearts broke at the sight of her. Gertrude was emaciated, her bones visible, and much of her fur was missing. She appeared despondent, her head hanging low as if she had given up hope. But as the team approached, Gertrude’s expression softened; for the first time in a long while, she felt a glimmer of hope.

The rescuers offered her food, which she devoured eagerly, her gratitude clear as she looked up at her rescuers with relief and affection. They gently lifted her from the crate and transported her to NOCO Humane, a shelter in Loveland, Colorado, where she would receive the care she desperately needed. CONTINUE STORY BELOW

At the shelter, veterinarians immediately began treating Gertrude for demodex mange. Despite everything she’d been through, Gertrude’s gentle spirit shone as she interacted lovingly with her caregivers. Since she was severely underweight, the shelter placed her on a feeding program, providing consistent meals to help her regain her strength. Over the next few weeks, Gertrude started to recover, her body slowly healing.

Just as she was ready for the next step—finding her forever home—Gertrude faced yet another setback. She developed an upper respiratory infection, requiring isolation and treatment. Even during quarantine, she eagerly greeted her caregivers, showing joy each time they brought her food and medicine. Bit by bit, Gertrude improved. CONTINUE STORY BELOW

When her infection finally cleared, Gertrude was released from quarantine, ecstatic to play with her shelter friends and enjoy long walks. The shelter staff prepared to place her up for adoption, confident she was ready for a loving home. But then, disaster struck. Wildfires in Larimer County forced families to evacuate, bringing their pets to NOCO Humane for temporary refuge. To make space, NOCO Humane transferred about 40 of their residents, including Gertrude, to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in Colorado Springs.

The staff at her new shelter welcomed her warmly. “When Gertrude arrived, we immediately saw what a joyful soul she was,” shared Cody Costra, the public relations manager at the Pikes Peak shelter. Gertrude’s infectious charm quickly won over a family who decided to make her a permanent part of their lives. After enduring so many challenges, Gertrude’s journey had a happy ending. She finally found a home where she could bask in the love and care she had been searching for all along. CONTINUE STORY BELOW