Chained dog lived in a ‘six-foot circle.’ Then ‘forgotten’ pup got second chance
A chained dog lived in a “six-foot circle” — then the “forgotten” pup got a second chance.
After Alicia received much-needed medical care, she was adopted into a “loving” home, a North Carolina animal shelter worker told McClatchy News in a phone interview.
“We’re all so happy for her,” said Rebeka Garcia, a spokesperson for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. “From the moment she came in, she really put herself in our hearts. Even though she’s been through everything that she’s been through, every time she sees a new person: best friend, immediately. She’ll run up and press her whole body against you for pets and then run off with a wagging tail to say ‘hi’ to the next person.”
The Asheville-based rescue shared Alicia’s story on social media May 19, about two months after her heartwarming adoption. Her journey at the shelter started after she experienced a rough patch.
“Her world was a six-foot circle,” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “A rusted chain. An empty bowl. A collar that once fit snugly — now sagging from the weight of neglect. Alicia was forgotten. Alone. Day after day, night after night. A cruel existence.”
An animal control team found Alicia “extremely emaciated” before she was surrendered to a shelter in February. When she was transferred to Brother Wolf, she started heartworm treatment and a plan to gain weight, Garcia said.
Despite Alicia’s past, the roughly 1-year-old pup showed off her sweet and friendly personality.
“She looked at us with soft, grateful eyes,” the rescue wrote. “And she leaned in — gently — asking for a hug. That’s when we learned Alicia doesn’t just want love. She wants to be held like a baby. She freely gives kisses like she’s making up for all the ones she never got.”
Eventually, Alicia’s online profile caught the eye of a couple. They adopted her the same day she became available in late March, leaving shelter workers “thrilled,” according to Garcia.
After the adoption, Garcia said the family has reported their pup is a “lover and a goofball” who’s having a smooth adjustment to her new home.
This story was originally published May 21, 2025 at 12:18 PM with the headline "Chained dog lived in a ‘six-foot circle.’ Then ‘forgotten’ pup got second chance."
