Dogs are more than just pets—they’re family. They offer us loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love. So it’s heartbreaking when that same devotion isn’t returned. Sadly, there are still far too many stories of dogs being abandoned when they become “too much to handle.”
One such heartbreaking case involved a two-year-old pup named Coby. His only mistake? He developed a habit of rummaging through trash. And for that, the family he trusted decided they no longer wanted him.
Instead of addressing the issue with love or patience, Coby’s family drove him to the Fairfield County Animal Shelter in South Carolina and left him behind. Alone, confused, and terrified, Coby had no idea why he was suddenly without the people he loved.
The staff at the shelter were instantly struck by his fear. He was visibly distressed, barely responsive, and desperate to disappear into the corner of his kennel. But even in his frightened state, he showed no aggression. Not once did he growl or snap.
“He looked like he wanted to vanish,” said shelter volunteer Samira El-Hage in a Facebook post. “He tried to chew through his leash, refused to look at us, and just stood facing the wall, completely shut down.”
When the shelter shared Coby’s photo online, it didn’t take long for it to reach someone who couldn’t look away. Leigh, an animal advocate living several states away in Dover, Delaware, saw the image and felt an instant connection.
“I saw his picture and I knew—I just knew—we had to save him,” she told The Dodo.
But bringing Coby to safety wasn’t going to be simple. The shelter was nine hours away, and time wasn’t on their side. That’s when the nonprofit organization Pilots N Paws stepped in. Known for helping rescue animals by air, the team didn’t hesitate once they learned about Coby’s situation.
Thanks to their generosity, Coby was flown to meet his new foster mom, Olivia Fritz. From the moment he arrived, it was clear that the road to healing would be long.
“He was paralyzed with fear,” Olivia recalled. “He wouldn’t move, wouldn’t respond. Getting him out of the plane seat was a challenge—he was completely shut down.”
Still, Olivia wasn’t discouraged. As an experienced foster and true animal lover, she approached Coby with patience and compassion. She found creative ways to support him—sometimes carrying him outside because he was too frightened to walk on his own.
Little by little, Coby began to open up. He started taking treats from Olivia’s hand. He even attempted short walks. Each small victory felt like a miracle.
“He’s still got a long way to go,” Olivia admitted. “But he’s making progress every day.”
Now safe and loved, Coby is finally beginning to heal from the trauma of his early years. With Olivia’s care, he’s learning that not all humans abandon the ones they love—and that trust, once broken, can be rebuilt with time and kindness.
Let’s hear it for the unsung heroes—shelter workers, foster parents, and volunteers—who remind us that every dog, no matter how broken, deserves a second chance. Please share Coby’s story to celebrate the power of compassion and community. 🐾