Earlier this month in San Bernardino, California, Jaina and Ivy Spagis pulled into their local coffee drive-thru, ready for an evening treat. But their calm coffee run quickly turned into a rescue mission when a gray-and-white dog darted across the lot, clearly lost and frightened.
As the couple braked, they noticed something unusual: the dog had a sweatshirt tied around her neck, tangled in a way that looked both uncomfortable and unsafe.
“We found this poor girl in the Starbucks drive-thru with a sweatshirt tied around her neck,” the couple, founders of Cats of San Bernardino rescue, shared on Instagram.
The pup, later named Bette Davis, kept her distance at first, scanning the parking lot for her family. But when the rescuers approached gently, she quickly melted into a ball, rolling over for belly rubs and showing her trusting, loving nature.
You can watch that heartwarming moment here:
After a few gentle pats, the couple secured her collar, led her to a safe area away from traffic, and treated her to a Puppuccino. While Bette licked her whipped cream, the Spagis worked to untangle the sweatshirt—initially mistaken for pants—from around her neck.
Once free and satisfied with her treat, Bette hopped into their car, and they took her straight to the vet. There, a microchip revealed her heartbreaking backstory: her previous owner had moved away and couldn’t take her along. When asked if he wanted her back, he said no.
With her past behind her, Bette’s bright blue eyes reflected gratitude and hope. The couple vowed to give her a loving life and began searching for her forever home.
Although the Spagises usually rescue cats, they quickly adapted, creating a dog-friendly space in their home. In the meantime, a foster family cared for Bette, giving her the attention she deserved.
Bette Davis has since reunited with the Spagises, thriving in her new life while applications for adoption continue to pour in. For now, she’s soaking up love, belly rubs, and plenty of cuddles from the couple who found her on that unforgettable day in the drive-thru.
“[She’s] our beautiful doggie rescue,” the Spagises wrote.
To help pets like Bette Davis get the care they need, donate to Cats of San Bernardino.
