Pregnant & Alone, Scared Stray Dog Never Knew Good People Exist Until This Happened
When Megan Lombardi and her team set out on a mission to deliver dog supplies to a homeless population in Skid Row, LA a few days ago, she was confronted with a distressing sight that struck her to the core. Trying to hide away from the world was a roughly one-year-old pregnant pup who looked utterly terrified and appeared to have no one to call his own.
To Megan, this heartrending scene was a clear reminder of the lonely battles that many strays out there face in their quest for survival. Moved by this pregnant pup’s miserable existence, Megan resolved to end her plight by fostering her.
@lombardidogs Who could dump her like this? 💔 Can you foster? (She won’t be keeping the puppies, she will get a spay/abort this week). #pupsoftiktok #rescuestory #abandondeddog #rescuedog #skidrow #adoptdontshop ♬ Belonging – Muted
Fear Over Trust
As narrated on Megan’s TikTok account @lombardidogs, getting a hold of this helpless pup — now named Rue — wasn’t easy. Her mistrust of humans was evident from how she’d try to hide each time Megan drew closer. Despite this initial resistance, Megan didn’t relent.
Eventually, she managed to leash Rue and get her in the car while comforting her with whispers of reassurance. Even though Rue’s sweet, gentle demeanor shone through during this rescue, she still seemed scared of her rescuers, and understandably so.
It was obvious Rue needed some time to trust wholeheartedly, and Megan was more than ready to give her all the time in the world.
Life in a Loving Foster Home
Once home, Megan offered Rue fresh drinking water and cottage cheese for her upset stomach, which she eagerly devoured in gratitude. Although she hesitated to seek out affection from Megan at first, she appeared relaxed in her new home, almost like she sensed she was finally safe.
As Megan continued showering her with kindness and love that she had probably never experienced before, Rue’s trust started to grow. It didn’t take long before she began reciprocating the affection shown to her, snuggling with Megan at any chance she got.
Seeing Rue embrace her new beginnings has brought Megan so much joy. Rue is no longer the terrified pup that preferred to hide her face from the world, but rather a jovial dog hopeful for better days.
Unfortunately, Megan — who works with LA-based rescue Love at First Mutt — can’t foster Rue for the long term since she has out-of-town commitments, as revealed in a follow-up video. She’s currently looking for a foster or adoptive home for Rue.
Megan also clarified that Rue will undergo an abortion. “She won’t be keeping the puppies, she will get a spay/abort this week,” reads her video’s caption.
Although Rue’s future remains unknown, one thing is for sure: it’s a bright one. As she continues to blossom into the happy dog that she was always meant to be, her transformation from a homeless, forsaken stray to a cherished foster dog is proof that helping an animal in need is never in vain.
“Rue stands as a symbol of hope for many forgotten animals still waiting for their chance at a better life,” pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka says.
