Unloved dog was ‘chained to a tree for 9 years’ — then a miracle happened. Meet Hope
A new year often brings the hope of clean slates and starting anew — and this is especially the case for one Kentucky dog.
In the summer of 2024, the Ashland Animal Rescue Fund was told about a case of neglect regarding a black dog, a chain and a tree.
“As we start a New Year, we have ‘Hope.’ Hope that all abandoned, abused, neglected, unwanted, tossed out, unloved furkids find their furever homes and are as fortunate as our girl Hope,” the shelter said in a Jan. 1 post.
“With that being said, who remembers our girl Hope. A Good Samaritan reached out to us about Hope chained to a tree for 9 years to live her life in a dog house with no floor, no door, but a blanket to cover it to keep out the elements and little to no human interaction.”
Unfortunately, the shelter was at max capacity, but rescuers just couldn’t ignore the situation — especially after seeing photos of her that looked like she was pleading for help.
“We were beyond full, but once we seen pictures of her eyes filled with tears and little to no hope, we developed a plan to rescue her and give her hope, we promised her no more chains, no more cold, wet, hot weather, no more food tossed on the ground, no more days/nights of being unloved and forgotten,” the shelter continued.
Hope’s days of abuse had come to an end.
“Hope was shown more love in the first 24 hours after she arrived at our kennel due to the out pouring love from our supporters, community, staff, volunteers and the help of the Good Samaritan,” the post said. “Our community came together with more out pouring love and generosity than we could have ever imagined and with that, Hope was shown more love than she’s probably ever had.”
Since her rescue, Hope had been living with a foster family that has shown her compassion and affection.
“She has adjusted well for what she’s been through. Her mom reports that all Hopie wants is to be loved and touched ... and Hopie gets what she wants,” the shelter said.
And now, she has finally found a home and is the shelter’s first adoption of 2025.
People were overjoyed for Hope and her new family in the comment section.
“Refreshing to see such a positive story about the compassion a community that comes together can achieve. She looks so loved and thankful!” one person wrote.
“Wonderful news!! I’m so happy for her,” another commented.
For information about other adoptable pets, visit the shelter’s website.
Ashland is about a 120-mile drive northeast from Lexington.
This story was originally published January 2, 2025 at 9:03 AM with the headline "Unloved dog was ‘chained to a tree for 9 years’ — then a miracle happened. Meet Hope."