One look at little Martha, and rescuers knew she was extraordinary. With her fluffy white tuft of hair, big brown eyes, and a permanent grin, the tiny Chihuahua–Maltese mix was truly one of a kind.
But Martha’s story almost ended before it had a chance to begin.
At 12 years old, the senior dog was picked up as a stray and brought to an overcrowded rural shelter in Australia. Staff believed the most merciful option was to put her down. In fact, the ranger was preparing to shoot her, convinced that no one would want such an old and sick dog.
Thankfully, Pets Haven Animal Shelter intervened just in time. “Martha was dumped in a high-kill pound,” the rescue wrote on Instagram. “The ranger was going to shoot her as he didn’t think anyone would want her.”
Rescuers pulled her from the shelter at the last moment, saving her from certain death. Once safe, veterinarians examined her and found that Martha’s patchy fur and irritated skin were only the beginning. She suffered from dry eye, a severe heart murmur, and was completely deaf. Because of her extensive medical needs, Martha was deemed unfit for adoption.
That’s when her luck turned again. Bianca Stockley, one of the veterinarians treating her, decided to take Martha home for just one night — so the frail dog could sleep in a real bed instead of a kennel.
“I took her home, and within a matter of hours fell so in love with her,” Stockley told The Dodo.
That one night turned into forever. Stockley became Martha’s permanent foster mom, and under her devoted care, the fragile senior began to thrive.
“The first few weeks were really tough while I sorted out her medication regime, but now she is absolutely thriving,” Stockley said. “Her fur is starting to grow back, and she is a lot more ‘floofy.’”
For the first time in her life, Martha finally learned what it meant to be part of a loving family. She now goes to work with Stockley at the clinic every day, happily greeting dogs, cats, and visitors alike.
“She loves to wander around the clinic and say hi to everyone,” Stockley shared. “Everyone who meets her can’t help but fall in love with her.”
Outside of work, Martha enjoys car rides, cozy naps, and her favorite guilty pleasure — chicken nuggets. At home, she has bonded with her two new siblings, Daisy and Fat Carlos, who welcomed her into the pack.
“Martha and Carlos sleep together every night, and I often wake up to them spooning,” Stockley laughed.
To Stockley, Martha is nothing short of life-changing. “Martha has touched so many people in her short time with me,” she said. “I have had many, many foster dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens, but none will ever be as special as my Marfie.”
Though Martha’s past was filled with neglect and abandonment, her future is now filled with love, safety, and family. “I simply cannot understand how humans failed her so badly in her previous life,” Stockley added. “I am so thankful for every single day I get to be with her.”