Recently, while driving along a busy highway near their home in Mexico, Rosa María Segura Alcántar and her husband, Erick, spotted something that made them immediately pull over.
There, frozen in the middle of traffic, was a lone dog — frightened, exhausted, and completely out of place.
“She looked confused, dehydrated, and malnourished,” Rosa told The Dodo. “We stopped, and she started coming toward us.”
As cars whizzed by, Erick waited for a break in traffic before gently crossing to the dog. She approached hesitantly, unsure but clearly hoping for help. He knelt down, and she let him scoop her into safety.
Here’s that moment on video:
Back in the car, the couple noticed a scar on her neck — likely the result of being tied up and then abandoned.
But now, finally safe, the dog seemed to understand she was in good hands.
She nestled into Erick’s arms and let out a breath of relief, melting into the comfort she’d gone so long without.
They named her Manzana.
Luckily for Manzana, she couldn’t have found better rescuers. Rosa and Erick run Refugio Xollin, an animal shelter committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming stray and abandoned dogs.
“We feel so relieved to have Manzana with us,” Rosa said. “She wouldn’t have survived much longer out there.”
Tragedy had been avoided. For Manzana, a better life awaits.
Today, Manzana is beginning to thrive. She’s already put on weight, her energy is returning, and her once-dull eyes now shine with curiosity and trust.
“She’s incredibly gentle and loving,” Rosa said. “She gets along well with other dogs and adores being close to people.”
While Manzana waits for her forever home, she’s surrounded by care, kindness, and a second chance at life.
To follow Manzana’s journey or support her recovery, you can visit Refugio Xollin on Facebook or Instagram.
