When animal rescue worker Cathy Wilkes met Ella the Rottweiler, she immediately knew that something was different. Unlike most of the thousand or so timid stray dogs being housed at the Love me Tender Animal Rescue in Tennessee, Ella was trained, affectionate and eager for love. Her sweet disposition led Cathy to investigate her origins.

Ella was found on the side of the highway, emaciated and drinking dirty runoff water from a ditch. Sadly, this happens often here, as this location is where many people dump their unwanted pets. A bit of sleuthing around the area revealed broken glass and evidence of a car accident. However, when Cathy looked further into the woods, she discovered a den of sorts, full of odd personal items. This is when Cathy knew that she had to help. It seems that Ella the dog had gathered whatever that she could from her beloved family: a toothbrush, a shoe, a comb, a CD and a candle that had the name Michelle written on it. It was as if she was desperate, holding onto whatever pieces of them that she could and waiting for their return.


Ella’s extreme loyalty is only one example of how deeply dogs grieve the loss of their guardians. Luckily for Ella, the name on the candle was the clue that helped Cathy reunite Ella with her long lost family!

This story of love and loyalty has a happy ending, thanks to doggie devotion and a small town hero. Who says animals don’t have feelings?

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