In a world that feels more unpredictable by the day, finding abandoned puppies has become a heartbreaking kind of “normal.”
So many of these tiny ones are left to deal with danger, hunger, and pure confusion with no real way to protect themselves. This story is a reminder that one small, simple choice to be kind can completely change what happens next for a helpless pup who has nobody else.
Showing up with compassion and moving fast can be the line between fear and relief, especially when it’s a little animal who is just trying to find safety.
A Chance Encounter In The Park
A group of friends was walking through a local park in Oklahoma with their dogs when something small near the grass caught their eye.
It was a tiny puppy, shaking uncontrollably, clearly frightened and extremely malnourished.
The moment he noticed the group, he began following them as if begging to be saved.
It was obvious to everyone that he would not be left behind.
They took him straight to a veterinarian to check for a microchip, but there was none.
For the next two weeks, the friends posted online in hopes of finding his family. Despite all efforts, nobody stepped forward.
It became clear that the puppy had been abandoned in the park. Thankfully, he had been found before anything worse could happen.
After ensuring he was safe, the search began for a permanent home where he would finally be loved.
The Beginning Of A New Life
Around this time, Jacob Bywater from Oklahoma, a friend of the group, happened to be looking for a new dog. When asked whether he would consider adopting the puppy, he felt an immediate connection.
It seemed like the timing was meant to be.
The puppy officially joined the Bywater family and was given the name Strider Bywater.
At roughly 10 weeks old, Strider was tiny and shy.
A veterinarian believed he was a Red Heeler and Beagle mix, and estimated that he would remain relatively small.
However, as the months went by, Strider grew much larger than anyone expected.
“By the time he turned 6 months old he was almost 40 pounds, so we figured he must not be beagle, but we were sure he was red heeler because he has the body and color of one,” Bywater told The Dodo.
“We purchased a DNA test kit online and through it figured out, while he is red heeler, he is also Great Pyrenees,” he also said.
The unexpected DNA results surprised the family, but it had no effect on the love they had for him.
Strider continued to develop into a confident and lively dog. His timid behavior faded, replaced by a joyful spirit and plenty of playful energy.
“3 years ago today I adopted this pain in the butt! Best decision ever! I wouldn’t give him up for all the money in the world!,” Bywater wrote on his Facebook.
Strider’s journey from abandoned puppy to cherished family member shows how powerful a single rescue can be.
