Stray Dog Finds Hope After Moving Into an Abandoned Truck
In the heart of Hawaii, Summer Whitmore, founder of Dog Days of Summer Sanctuary, was making her usual rounds at a makeshift junkyard, where she often leaves food and water for stray dogs. Her goal is always the same — to earn their trust, so she can eventually bring them to safety.
One day, as she approached a truck where she’d previously spotted a few nervous pups, a new face appeared in the window.
“I would guess she smelled the other dog smell in this vehicle or saw the food and water and moved herself in,” Whitmore told The Dodo.
Unlike most of the dogs Whitmore rescues, this pup — later named Peaches — wasn’t fearful or hesitant. She was ready. Whitmore already had a car full of dogs, so she left some food and water and promised Peaches 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. I told her it was the first day of the rest of her life.”
After a veterinary checkup, Peaches was diagnosed with mange, worms, fleas, and multiple small wounds. She was underweight, but nothing could dampen her spirit.
Now safe at the sanctuary, Peaches is thriving. She’s learning to walk on a leash, play with toys, and even enjoy the water.
“Some dogs are scared and shut down,” Whitmore said. “But Peaches was thrilled. It was like she was saying, ‘Finally, I can rest.’”
With her treatments underway and her confidence growing each day, Peaches is well on her way to the happy ending she deserves. When the time comes, Whitmore hopes to find her a patient, loving family ready to help her continue this new chapter.