Minutes from Being Put Down, This Border Aussie Found the Person She Was Meant For
Many dogs are dismissed as hopeless cases before they ever get the chance to show their true potential. But sometimes, all it takes is one powerful connection to change everything. With love and determination, even the toughest challenges can be overcome—and the story of one Border Aussie is proof that a little love can transform a life.
A Rough Start Leading to New Beginnings
Bailey Jo’s journey was off to a shaky start. After being found in an Eastern Kentucky shelter by a rescue group, her life was close to over before it began. Only six or seven weeks old, Bailey Jo was at risk for being put down because the shelter was unable to keep animals.
But Bailey Jo was lucky.
Picture Perfect
A new dog was the last thing on Debra Lewis’s mind. After she lost her English Shepherd a year before, she told herself no more dogs. But when Debra started searching for a small dog for her mother, Bailey Jo’s puppy eyes changed everything.
One soulful look of the right dog can melt hearts – and change minds. Debra knew that Bailey Jo would be too big for her mother, but she instantly connected with Bailey Jo’s photo. “She looked so sad and small,” said Debra.
First Impressions are Everything
First impressions are never about the way someone looks. They’re about the way they make you feel. And Debra and Bailey Jo’s bond was instantaneous.
“She was delivered to us in a pouring rain storm and smelled terrible,” said Debra. “She was shaking until I held her to my chest, wrapped in a blanket.” Their bond was instantaneous, and at that moment, Debra knew just how much Bailey Jo needed her.
When Bailey Jo looked at Debra and stopped shaking, that was it. Debra filled out an application immediately.
Overcoming the Odds
Debra knew Bailey Jo’s journey wasn’t going to be easy, but that didn’t stop her from giving Bailey Jo a good home. Bailey Jo had physical issues. She couldn’t walk on her rear left leg, believed to be from nerve damage from being in a cage with two or three other dogs.
Debra was fully prepared to have a lame dog.
But she was also fully prepared to put in the work. Patiently, Debra worked with Bailey Jo in her backyard, and after a few days, Bailey Jo was able to walk!
While Bailey Jo still occasionally limps on that leg, it’s a testament to how a strong bond can allow both owner and pet to overcome any odds. Bailey Jo went from not being able to walk and almost being put down, to an ambulatory dog with a happy home in just a few days!
Like Owner, Like Pup
It’s been almost six years, and Bailey Jo and Debra are inseparable. “She is definitely my dog. My protector, my friend, my companion during Covid,” said Debra. “I’m definitely her person – from that first hug to the present.”
Just as Debra looked after Bailey Jo, Bailey Jo looks after Debra. “I use CPAP at night for sleep apnea. Bailey Jo always has to climb up next to me at night and check the mask out,” said Debra. “If I try to take a nap without the mask she is sitting next to my face and whining.” It really goes to show – if you take care of a dog, they will take care of you right back.
Bailey Jo’s story proves that there’s hope for every lost cause. All it takes is a little patience and a lot of love.
