In September, our team arrived at a house on a sun-bleached gravel road, where we found a dog, Jasmine, who was chained to an oak tree at the edge of the yard. Her ribs were visible, and her coat had become dull. The chain had worn a raw ring into her neck and was short enough that she could neither stand comfortably nor lie down.

The screen door opened, and three residents stepped outside. Doll Stanley, our Justice For Animals Campaign Director, who was accompanied by our Hope Animal Sanctuary Operations Manager, Sharon Shone, told them that a judge had sent them for Jasmine. A woman in a faded housecoat responded, “Two weeks,” as if that somehow explained everything about Jasmine’s condition.

Doll and Sharon knelt beside her. Flies were swarming, and two small piles of feces lay nearby, mostly persimmon seeds. There were no trees within reach to explain the seeds. Any mercy those seeds might have offered came long before she was chained.

Doll, steady and precise, unhooked the chain. Jasmine’s legs buckled when the weight was finally lifted from her neck. They supported her and carefully placed her on a soft blanket in the SUV and drove away from that nightmare location.

At the Grenada veterinary clinic, she was held for 48 hours and fed small, frequent meals. She was then transported to Hope Animal Sanctuary, where she was provided with more care. She received vaccines, was dewormed, and luckily, she had a negative heartworm test. Staff continued to feed her small portions to help her regain strength without shocking her system.

Over the weeks, Jasmine began to adjust. She learned to eat kibble, and the grass no longer hurt her paws. Her coat grew back and took on a healthy chestnut color. She began to show more curiosity and playfulness. One day, she chased a tennis ball, missed, and happily rolled around in the grass, wagging her tail.

Today, Jasmine waits behind a gate that swings open for animal caregivers. She is ready for a home, for someone who will love and care for her forever.

Back at the house on the gravel road, the judge’s order still stands: no more animals. We make unannounced checks. The oak tree, which still has faint scars from the chain, serves as a reminder that some stories end with rescue, not ruin.

Thanks to the kind donations of In Defense of Animals supporters, we were able to help this precious soul live the life she deserves. Thank you.