When Summer Whitmore, founder of Dog Days of Summer Sanctuary, arrived at a makeshift junkyard in Hawaii, she was on the lookout for dogs in need of help.
Over the past few weeks, she had been leaving food for a few of the shy strays, slowly gaining their trust so she could safely bring them to the sanctuary.
As she approached an old truck where some dogs had been hanging out, she noticed a face she didn’t recognize peeking out.
“I would guess she smelled the other dogs or saw the food and water and moved herself in,” Whitmore told The Dodo.
Unlike many of the dogs Whitmore encounters, who are often terrified of humans, this pup — later named Peaches — seemed ready for rescue. Whitmore already had a few dogs in her car, so she left Peaches some food and promised she’d return.
“When I arrived back, she had finished her food and was sitting by the side of the road waiting for me,” Whitmore said. “I opened the door to my van, and she hopped right in and licked my face. Off we went. I told her it was the first day of the rest of her life.”
At the sanctuary, Peaches was checked over by a veterinarian. She was diagnosed with mange, worms, fleas, underweight, and multiple wounds, all of which she is now being treated for. She’s also on a special diet to help her regain a healthy weight.
Despite everything she had been through, Peaches was already thriving. Many rescued dogs take time to warm up to their new environment, but Peaches seemed to understand that she was finally safe.
“Some are thrilled, and that was Peaches,” Whitmore said. “It was like she was saying, ‘Finally, I can rest.’”
Now, Peaches is learning what it means to be a dog — relaxing, playing with toys, frolicking in the water, walking on a leash, and enjoying cuddles and fetch. Whitmore is confident that, once she’s fully healed, Peaches will make the perfect addition to a loving family.
“I find that most strays have some anxiety as they go from rescue to their forever home,” Whitmore said. “She needs a family willing to heal and grow with her, and be patient as she finds her footing in this world.”
If you’re interested in adopting Peaches, you can contact Dog Days of Summer Sanctuary for more information.
