When Ali Tisdall first met a gentle pup named Scarlett, she had no idea how much this sweet dog would eventually change her life.
Scarlett appeared one day in Tisdall’s neighborhood in Spring Creek Township, North Carolina. She wore a collar and wandered the streets as if searching for someone familiar.
A neighbor soon brought the dog to Tisdall’s home, thinking she might belong to her. From that moment on, the Tisdall family felt an instant pull to help.
As they gently petted her, Scarlett’s face brightened into a huge smile, clearly relieved to have found kind and caring people.
A Weekend Of Comfort
The family gave Scarlett a warm bath and covered her in affection. The children couldn’t stop cuddling her, and Scarlett soaked up their love, smiling the whole time.
They agreed to keep her for the weekend and have her scanned for a microchip the following Monday.
From the moment Scarlett entered their home, she felt safe enough to rest. She stretched out on the floor, closed her eyes, and finally relaxed.
In just a short time, Scarlett had captured everyone’s hearts. By the end of the weekend, they couldn’t imagine life without her.
When they took Scarlett to the vet, the scan revealed she had an owner. After reaching out, Tisdall learned that the man loved Scarlett deeply. He had rescued her years earlier and given her a home filled with care.
However, Scarlett had been living outdoors with three other dogs because some of the family members were allergic.
When her dad’s work schedule changed, he was rarely home, and Scarlett became anxious without him.
Missing her favorite person, she began escaping to search for him.
“Ever since he’d switched jobs, she’d been escaping from their fenced land and running down the highway. They tried all kinds of fencing solutions but none held her in,” Tisdall wrote in an Instagram post.
A Difficult Choice
Tisdall knew how much Scarlett’s owner cared for her, but they both feared for the pup’s safety. Wanting what was best for Scarlett, Tisdall offered to rehome her.
Her owner took her back home to think about it. Meanwhile, the Tisdall family already deeply missed her presence and wished she could return.
The very next morning, the phone rang. Scarlett’s owner had made the painful but selfless decision to let her go, knowing it was best for her well-being.
The Tisdalls were overjoyed. Scarlett was coming home to them for good.
Scarlett thrived in her new environment. She adored being indoors, surrounded by affection and warmth. Yet, her anxiety didn’t vanish right away. She sometimes tried to escape, a lingering habit from her past.
Her new family understood and supported her patiently as she learned to feel safe.
A New Chapter Of Healing
Determined to help Scarlett adjust, Tisdall began taking her on morning runs to ease her restlessness. The routine quickly became Scarlett’s favorite part of the day.
Her husband joined in by taking Scarlett hiking, and soon the entire family included her in every activity. Slowly but surely, Scarlett transformed into a confident and joyful pup.
Tisdall, who also experiences anxiety, found herself forming a unique bond with Scarlett.
“I describe myself as both even keeled and someone with anxiety. So there’s a deep connection there I actually haven’t felt with any other dog. And growing up I never really saw it as something that I could lean into as almost like a huge part of me. And Scarlett made me realize that it’s okay to open your heart,” Tisdall told Cuddle Buddies.
Today, Scarlett enjoys a happy life in North Carolina with her loving family. She spends her days exploring, running, and being cherished by the people who understand her best.
