‘Tiny blind dog found as stray has zest for life’ & and other shelter stories
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
From a tiny blind dog who wandered the streets of North Carolina, to a sweet boxer mix struggling with kennel stress in Texas, here are some recent shelter stories from across the country.
Dog found as stray lost both eyes. Now the pup with ‘zest for life’ needs a home
Philly, a 12-pound blind dog, was found as a stray in North Carolina and is now looking for a loving home after losing both eyes due to irreparable injuries. She was transferred to the Forsyth Humane Society in Winston-Salem, where she’s thriving in foster care, showing off her playful spirit and love for cuddles. Philly is described as “sweet, spirited, and incredibly resilient.” | Published Sept. 22 | Read More |
‘Gentle soul’ pup saved from starving in freezing PA cold. He needs a home
Gouda, a loving dog rescued from a life of abuse and starvation in Philadelphia, is still waiting for his forever home after being saved from freezing temperatures and heavy chains. The Pennsylvania SPCA says Gouda is shy but “extremely loveable” once he warms up, and he’s the last of his group still at the shelter after most of his fellow rescues found homes. | Published Sept. 22 | Read More |
Cries from crate led to pup dumped in NC woods. Now ‘survivor’ has fresh start
Rocky, a puppy found abandoned in a crate in the woods of Statesville, North Carolina, was rescued after neighbors heard his “cries for help.” At just three months old, Rocky was emaciated and alone, but after being brought to the Iredell County Animal Services shelter, he gained weight, built trust and showed his “incredible resilience.” | Published Sept. 24 | Read More |
Cuddly dog is so overwhelmed, she stopped eating at TX shelter. She needs a home
Mia, a 5-year-old boxer mix, is struggling with kennel stress at the Humane Society of El Paso, Texas, where she’s become so overwhelmed that she’s stopped eating and lost over 10 pounds. Despite being showered with love and cuddles by shelter staff, Mia’s “zest for life has dimmed.” | Published Sept. 24 | Read More |
Rescued kitten lost one of his eyes. Now cuddly cat is ‘living his best life’
Happy, a one-eyed kitten, was rescued from a feral cat colony in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and is now “thriving” in his new home after being adopted. After being found in poor health with his littermates, Happy received medical care and eventually had one eye removed, but he grew healthy and strong thanks to his foster and adoptive families. | Published Sept. 25 | Read More |
McClatchy News continues to follow animals across the country, from their rescue to their new homes. Check back for more stories.
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 4:03 PM with the headline "‘Tiny blind dog found as stray has zest for life’ & and other shelter stories."