One chilly evening in Mississippi, Lisa Reams was settling into bed when her phone buzzed with an urgent message.

A stranger had spotted a small dog, trembling on a worn-out couch abandoned near a dumpster. The thought of the pup left alone in the cold made Lisa’s chest tighten.

A Cry in the Cold

Without a second thought, she pulled on a coat over her pajamas and hurried to the scene. The night air bit at her skin, but her concern for the dog kept her moving.

She imagined the little dog shivering, scared, and wondering why no one had come to help.

When Lisa arrived, her eyes met the pup’s, and she felt an instant connection. The dog’s tail twitched hesitantly, a small sign of hope.

Lisa knelt beside her, speaking softly. The dog allowed her to slip on a leash, and together they walked to the truck.

Once inside, Lisa wrapped her in a thick blanket and turned on the seat warmers. Slowly, the shivering stopped, and the little dog, soon named Cammi, sank into a deep, peaceful sleep, finally safe from the cold night.

Healing in Human Hands

Back at Lisa’s home, Cammi began showing her true personality. The fear in her eyes slowly melted away, replaced with curiosity and gentle trust.

Though she had endured abandonment, she was beginning to experience kindness and warmth for the first time.

“She is a gentle, loving soul,” said Rachel Larkin, director of social media at NYC Second Chance Rescue. “Cammi has a soft energy. She loves basking in the sunlight, exploring the yard, and curling up in laps. Every bit of love she receives, she returns tenfold.”

Over the next days, Lisa watched Cammi grow more confident.

Small gestures—a scratch behind the ears or a gentle pat—brought visible joy. She wagged her tail, leaned into affection, and even started nudging Lisa for more attention.

It was a powerful reminder that patience, care, and love could help heal even the deepest wounds of abandonment.

Cammi’s playful side began to emerge, too. She chased small toys, sniffed around corners, and responded happily to Lisa’s soft commands.

Each moment of trust built a bond that had been broken by neglect, showing just how resilient and adaptable dogs can be when given a chance.

A Future Full of Hope

Cammi’s journey wasn’t over yet. Soon, she would travel to New York to join NYC Second Chance Rescue, where she would be made available for adoption.

Lisa felt a mix of hope and anticipation. Though Cammi had found warmth and safety for now, the dream was for her to experience a forever home filled with love and security.

Rachel Larkin explained, “Every dog deserves a safe path, whether through adoption or foster care. Cammi will never face the streets again, and we’ll make sure she finds a loving home where she can thrive.”

The bond between Cammi and her rescuers is a testament to compassion in action. Her wagging tail, soft sighs, and gentle nuzzles remind everyone around her that love can change a life.

Lisa and the rescue team remain optimistic that Cammi will soon settle into a forever home, surrounded by care, joy, and affection she had been denied for far too long.

Cammi’s story is a reminder that even a single act of kindness can ripple outward, transforming a frightened stray into a happy, confident dog ready to embrace the world.