08/29/2026
The story of Camille!
Yesterday was my 32nd wedding Anniversary! Yes, we’ve been married a long time, and we do generally celebrate our special day. Tom was traveling for work and since I was alone I decided to go help a disabled family friend, way across the city, with her dogs and her cat.
While there we noticed this sweet girl hanging out behind a padlocked gate at an abandoned home. After chatting with neighbors it seems, she had been there about 2 weeks, hiding under a parked car. Neighbors were leaving water and food. My car showed 108 here yesterday. It really was awful.🥵
When I approached, her tail wagged ever so slightly, but she was nervous to approach, so I left her food and gave her some “ baby talk”. She came out to eat and went back to her safe spot. She kept eyes on me at all times, and carefully watched me walk back to my friends home.
I packed up my friends dogs and cat for the vet visit and returned a couple of hours later. I was unpacking my truck with supplies and there she was, waiting…. I went inside and grabbed some food and my slip lead out of my truck. She ran back to her safe spot, but she was hungry and inquisitive. Down went the food bowl and more baby talk, she finally decided to eat after about 15 minutes. She kept close tabs on me. After she ate the last bite I could see her wheels turning, she let me pet her soft head. Lots of gentle baby talk. Within minutes I had a sweet hippo’s head on my lap. On went the slip lead. Rescuers need to wear Go Pros to truly capture these moments.
We waited a bit before walking her to the car. But suddenly her confidence soared. And pure relief set in. She walked to the car and jumped right in. Within minutes she was sleeping HARD in the AC of my truck. I love watching this blissful sleep of a dog first rescued, and able to relax. Nothing is like it♥️
Off we went to the Vet. I certainly wasn’t expecting to pick up a dog. But I’ve been here long enough to know to expect the unexpected, turn and pivot, roll with the punches.
The neighbors that watched from their houses were elated!! They said “How on earth did you do that ?” We’ve all been trying for days. It’s really just patience, and reading the dog, and her body language … she was ready, I can tell she wanted to trust someone to help her. I just gave her the time and space to make good choices. I am so glad it was me! A few of the neighbors told me “ be careful, you know that’s a pit bull!” I don’t really see dogs in that way. I just saw her as a living soul that desperately needed help. And sadly it’s ALL OVER this city. All sizes, all breeds.
We had a quiet ride home. I could hear her softly snoring through her poofy pitty cheeks. I kept one hand on her for reassurance. I could hear her sigh, those incredible sighs of relief.
She is covered in ticks, fleas, dirt, scars. Seriously underweight, has Battle scars from the street life. Evidence of just giving birth not too long ago. Scratches and abrasions. She’s not much more than a puppy herself. She had a tough short life.
As I made the 45 minute drive home, I thought about how bummed I was to be alone on my Anniversary. But how I got the opportunity to be there for this gal instead, and save a life. Reminds me that we are all where we are supposed to be, and how little control we truly have.
Today, she is nothing of the dog she was even yesterday. She’s smiling, playing, rolling, snuggling and eating up all the attention she can!
Go girl!! Welcome Camille and Welcome to Paco’s and the beginning of the best part of your life♥️
Tom called me late in the evening after his work was done. We shared our days activities and I told him the story of Camille, he intently listened to every word, as he does with all my rescues😂, and that number is well into the high 1000’s by now. And he said, “Way to go baby, that’s awesome! Another great save, what a great dog and what a great day!”
And that’s what marriage is all about♥️
If you can offer a foster home for Camille, please reach out. Thank you!
