Last fall, a devastating fire consumed a home in Mississippi as a devoted mother dog battled desperately to save her puppies. Tragically, one of them suffered from severe burns to her little feet and body, but thanks to lifesaving care at our Hope Animal Sanctuary, she’s recovered wonderfully and is now a loved family member.

Compassionate strangers who’d witnessed the horror stopped to help. Braving the danger, they rescued the mama dog and her six puppies, then called our Hope Animal Sanctuary. We said that we would welcome them with open hearts.

The next day, the puppies arrived, wide-eyed from trauma. Five bounced with youthful joy, devouring food and wagging tails like sparks of hope. But the smallest was different. She was listless, and her spirit was fading. Examination revealed heartbreaking burns on her paw pads, turning her away from meals as her strength waned.

We named her Cinder, because she rose from the ashes. Caregiver Jeannie Grammer, whose compassion shines fiercely, took the lead. Hydrotherapy soothed her scorched paws, but revealed deeper wounds: burns on her legs, chest, and head, and fur falling away to expose raw pain. This brave pup was clinging to life.

Jeannie brought Cinder home, cradling her on a heating pad to fight hypothermia. For four grueling days, Cinder refused food, teetering near organ failure. Jeannie syringe-fed her tirelessly, whispering love and hope.

Then, on the fifth day, a miracle — Cinder stood on wobbly, scarred legs. She ate eagerly, her eyes alight with unbreakable will; tears flowed as she chose life.

That day brought more joy when rescuers returned to the ruins and found a seventh puppy, unharmed, and reunited him in a whirlwind of wagging tails and pure delight.

Meet the other six puppies!

Recovery was painful as the hydrotherapy drew cries that pierced Jeannie’s heart, yet she persisted through her own tears. Nerve damage threatened mobility, but physical therapy in water rebuilt her strength. Cinder walked, then ran, her lion-hearted spirit soaring beyond scars.

From near death, Cinder became resilience embodied. Thanks to our team’s devotion, and as a result of generous donations to In Defense of Animals, she healed fully. Now, in her forever home in the Northeast, she bounds joyfully, a living miracle.

This triumph is yours too. Thank you, from us, and from Cinder’s grateful heart.