Jaina and Ivy Spagis, the rescuers at Cats of San Bernardino, were just looking forward to a simple coffee run when fate had something completely different in store for them.
As they pulled up to their local Starbucks drive-thru, a large gray-and-white dog dashed in front of their car, weaving through the drive-thru lane with her tail tucked tightly between her legs.
She looked terrified, lost, and completely out of place in the busy parking lot. Something about her tugged at their hearts instantly.
As they watched her more closely, they noticed something odd: there was a piece of fabric tied around her neck.
It looked like pants, but why would a dog be wearing something like that? The sight only made their concern grow.
Though their rescue work usually focused on cats, Jaina and Ivy had saved enough animals to know when one needed urgent help. And this sweet, scared pup? She needed them more than anything.
With careful steps, the couple approached, hoping not to scare her away. The poor girl kept glancing around as if searching for someone she’d lost. But there was no one there.
Even as she moved away, her tail gave the smallest, hesitant wag like she wanted to believe in them but wasn’t sure if she could. So they spoke softly, taking their time to earn her trust.
And then, something beautiful happened. As Spagis knelt down, the dog walked right up, licked her hands, and then flopped onto her back, offering her belly as if to say, ‘Okay… I’ll trust you.’
That moment changed everything. The fear in her eyes disappeared as she soaked up the love she had been missing for so long. They showered her with pets, scratches, and sweet words, letting her know she was finally safe.
To make things even sweeter, they treated her to a cup of whipped cream just for her. As she eagerly licked it up, they untied the fabric from her neck and discovered it was a sweatshirt.
Why had someone tied it around her like that? They had no idea. But one thing was certain: this dog had a story.
Once Bette finished her treat, she happily hopped into the car as if she already knew she had found her people. They took her directly to the vet, where they found a microchip.
They hoped she had a family looking for her. But that hope faded as soon as they made the call, as Cats of San Bernardino shared on Instagram:
“We were able to contact the owner today and found out that he moved away and couldn’t take her. He said he gave the dog to someone else, but he didn’t have their info, so we doubt that story… We asked if he wanted her back, and he said, ‘No.’”
The realization hit hard – this sweet girl had been abandoned by their humans.
Still, as they looked into her eyes, full of trust and gratitude, they knew they weren’t going to let her down. She deserved better. She deserved a home that would cherish her forever.
Since their rescue focused on cats and wasn’t equipped for dogs, they found her a loving foster home where she could be safe while they made arrangements. A week later, everything was set up, and the rescue welcomed her into their care.
The dog, now named Bette Davis, is now thriving at Cats of San Bernardino. Her tail wags nonstop, her eyes sparkle with happiness, and she knows she is loved.
She’s still waiting for her forever family, but with so many people interested, it’s only a matter of time before she finds the perfect home.
Bette’s journey wasn’t easy, but her best chapter is still ahead. Soon, she’ll have a home where she’s cherished, and the days of feeling lost will be nothing but a distant memory.
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