Taylor Bullock was scrolling through local lost pet pages one Saturday when a photo stopped her in her tracks. A black-and-white dog sat quietly on the porch of an abandoned house — waiting, as if someone might open the door at any moment and let her in.
“I kept refreshing for hours, hoping someone would claim her or go pick her up,” said Bullock, who runs Happy Tails Animal Rescue. “As the day wore on and storm clouds started rolling in, I finally said, ‘OK, I have to drive over and see if she’s still there.’”
When she pulled up, the dog was right where she’d been in the photos — sitting faithfully on the porch, just waiting.
The dog, who Bullock later named Rain, immediately approached her with a soft cry and eager affection.
“She was incredibly sweet,” Bullock said. “She just wanted to sit in my lap. It felt like she’d been holding in all her emotion and was finally able to let it out.”
Bullock was soon joined by fellow animal advocate Paula Ellis, and together they spoke to neighbors to learn more. Several people confirmed the heartbreaking truth: the family who lived there had moved out a month earlier — and Rain had seemingly been left behind.
Despite their kindness and offers of food and comfort, Rain had one thing on her mind: getting back into her house.
“She kept walking to the front door,” Bullock said. “Every time we touched the doorknob, she would jump up, hopeful. She clearly remembered living there and couldn’t understand why she wasn’t allowed in.”
With a storm fast approaching and no sign of anyone returning for her, Bullock gently loaded Rain into her car and brought her home.
That night, as wind and rain howled outside, Bullock gave Rain a bath, treated her for worms, and began her vaccinations.
“She was filthy, with sores on her paws, legs, and back,” Bullock recalled. “She had terrible separation anxiety. Once the other animals were settled, I stayed on the couch with her all night.”
At first, Rain was too anxious to sleep, panting heavily and unable to relax. But by morning, she had settled into the warmth of her rescuer’s arms — stretched out on her back, finally resting.
Now in a loving foster home, Rain is slowly learning that she’s safe. Though she still struggles with being left alone, she’s adjusting to her new life — one filled with patience, love, and hope.
“She’s such a happy, gentle girl,” Bullock said. “She loves people and gets along with other animals. What she really needs is a family who will give her the consistent love and attention she deserves.”
Interested in giving Rain a forever home? Reach out to Happy Tails Animal Rescue to learn more about adopting this loyal girl.
