A disabled dog who was dumped in a cardboard box and left for dead has astonished internet users with her resilience; now she has found her forever home with 10 other disabled dogs.
The canine, who was “covered in maggots and fleas,” was discovered in a box outside a church in San Bernardino, California. When she was found by local animal rescuers, she was immediately taken to an emergency vet to see if there was any way of saving her life.
By chance, Debbie Pearl, who already owns 10 disabled rescue dogs, happened to be at the vet a couple of days later and asked to see for herself how the pup was. She had heard the horrific story of her rescue, and it utterly broke her heart. As soon as Pearl met the sweet dog, she knew she wanted to help. Pearl told Newsweek that she “instantly fell in love with her.”
After a couple of days in veterinary care, the dog’s condition was stable, and she had managed to eat and drink. They diagnosed her with a neurological condition, which Pearl believes is why she was “left to die.” With plenty of experience caring for special-needs dogs, Pearl was the perfect candidate to take care of her, whom she has since named Gabby.
“When she was dropped off at my house, she couldn’t walk and she was just wobbling all over the place,” Pearl said.
From left: Gabby when she was found in a cardboard box; and pictured now in her forever home. The dog was covered in maggots and left for dead, before being rescued and taken to an emergency vet.
@theunstoppabledogs / Instagram
“I brought her inside and all my dogs were very interested in her, so I set up a little playpen for Gabby,” Pearl said. “Later on, I took her outside, and all the dogs were outside on the porch, and when she looked up and saw them all around her, it just brought her to life.
“She started wagging her tail, and it was like she got a shot of life. I’ve never seen anything like it. She couldn’t even walk, but suddenly, she got up and went toward the other dogs.”
Pearl said that seeing the other disabled dogs was a great source of encouragement for Gabby, and it made her realize she was finally in a loving home where she could thrive.
Pearl added: “It’s like she knew she was in a place where everybody was just like her—they’re all perfectly imperfect. It was such a beautiful moment, and from there, she’s been great. Everybody was so gentle with her; they just all knew that there was something wrong, and she fit in perfectly.”
Further tests and scans revealed that Gabby has a cyst affecting her cerebellum, which causes her imbalance and mobility issues. The vet is hopeful that she can still lead a full life, despite the birth defect.
From left: Gabby in the animal hospital after being rescued, and pictured now in her loving home. The dog made an astonishing recovery after being left for dead in a cardboard box.
@theunstoppabledogs / Instagram
Gabby sometimes falls over and loses her balance, but she refuses to let it get her down. She also has a unique walk, as she does high leg kicks, which Pearl likens to “a little horse prancing.”
Pearl shared Gabby’s story on Instagram (@theunstoppabledogs) showing how much she has transformed. The video devastated many social-media users, leading to more than 1.5 million views and over 145,000 likes on Instagram.
The Power of Rescue Dogs
Despite a difficult start to life, Gabby’s future is now very bright, and she has found true happiness with Pearl and her 10 canine siblings.
“She has become one of The Unstoppable Dogs and she will change lives. She’s going to help give people hope that, no matter what has happened to you, you can live your best life,” Pearl told Newsweek.
If rescuing 11 disabled dogs wasn’t already an extraordinary feat, Pearl has also set up a nonprofit called The Unstoppable Ranch. She hopes to create a sanctuary where anyone can come and connect with the dogs. Whether they are disabled and can relate to them, or have gone through trauma and see it as a place of healing—it’s a place for everyone.
Speaking about this venture, Pearl said: “Our goal is to create a sanctuary that’s basically where humans and disabled dogs inspire each other, and the unstoppable force of love knows no bounds.
“These dogs are a true testament to never lose hope. They bring people to tears, but not sad tears—they’re happy tears. They’re the happiest dogs you could ever meet, and they’re just happy to be alive. They’re so joyful, and that’s a powerful thing for people to see.”
From left: Gabby pictured in her forever home after being rescued by Debbie Pearl. Gabby has a cyst on her cerebellum, causing her mobility issues and loss of balance.
@theunstoppabledogs / Instagram
The Internet Reacts
Since going viral on Instagram, Gabby’s story touched plenty of hearts and left many people fighting back tears.
Among the 3,100 comments on the viral Instagram Reel, one person responded: “Heartbreaking to see what she had to endure. Thank you for rescuing your precious baby.”
Another Instagram user wrote: “Thank you for making a difference in her life and her new family.”
One comment reads: “She’s absolutely perfect! Full of love!”
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