Stories of dogs suffering at the hands of those meant to protect them are all too common.
Day after day, countless animals endure pain, neglect, and the harsh conditions of life outdoors. They search for scraps, seek shelter, and fight to survive each night.
For some, even that becomes impossible.
In California, one such puppy faced unimaginable hardship until a group of rescuers stepped in. What they discovered outside a church in San Bernardino would mark the beginning of a life-changing journey for a dog who had been left behind.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
While searching for a dog in need, a rescue team in San Bernardino came across a heartbreaking sight.
Outside a church, they found a tiny puppy curled up inside a box. Her frail body was crawling with fleas and maggots.
Without hesitation, they lifted the box, placed it in their vehicle, and rushed her to the nearest veterinary clinic.
There, the medical staff conducted a full examination and gave her a quiet space to rest.
News of her condition quickly reached Debbie Pearl, a dedicated rescuer who already cared for ten disabled dogs.
Pearl felt an immediate pull to meet the puppy. The moment they met, a bond formed instantly.
After several days of treatment, the puppy, now named Gabby, began eating and drinking on her own.
Veterinarians diagnosed her with a neurological disorder, which rescuers believed may have led to her abandonment.
From that point forward, Pearl knew Gabby was meant to be part of her life.
Gabby Begins To Feel At Home
Everyone involved understood that Gabby’s path to recovery would be challenging.
“When she was dropped off at my house, she couldn’t walk and she was just wobbling all over the place. I brought her inside and all my dogs were very interested in her, so I set up a little playpen for Gabby. Later on, I took her outside, and all the dogs were outside on the porch, and when she looked up and saw them all around her, it just brought her to life,” Pearl shared.
Surrounded by other dogs, Gabby felt a sense of connection. Her tail began to wag, and she found the strength to stand and walk toward one of her new companions.
Seeing other dogs with disabilities gave her confidence. She no longer felt alone.
“It’s like she knew she was in a place where everybody was just like her—they’re all perfectly imperfect. It was such a beautiful moment, and from there, she’s been great. Everybody was so gentle with her; they just all knew that there was something wrong, and she fit in perfectly,” Pearl added.
The Diagnosis & The Future
Further medical testing revealed Gabby had a cyst on her cerebellum, which explained her difficulty with movement and balance.
Despite the diagnosis, her veterinarian remained hopeful. Gabby might stumble or fall, but she always got back up.
“She has become one of The Unstoppable Dogs and she will change lives. She’s going to help give people hope that, no matter what has happened to you, you can live your best life,” Pearl said proudly.
Since joining Pearl’s household, Gabby has flourished. She is surrounded by a loving caregiver and a group of dogs who support her every step of the way.
“These dogs are a true testament to never losing hope. They bring people to tears, but not sad tears—they’re happy tears. They’re the happiest dogs you could ever meet, and they’re just happy to be alive. They’re so joyful, and that’s a powerful thing for people to see,” Pearl concluded.
