A significant number of devoted pet guardians will hastily leap to conclusions when they spot a deserted dog at a shelter, myself included… to be frank.
Nonetheless, not every tale of abandoned pups involves negligent owners wishing to dispose of their animals.
At times, pet guardians confront life’s challenges that compel them to leave their beloved companions behind, even if that is not their true desire.
One such furry friend is Abby… an elderly dog who was forsaken without a place to live, yet with all her possessions, which included a special surprise.
A Dog With A Portrait
Abby, a charming senior Beagle, was discovered at a local shelter in Virginia and saved by Sanctuary Rescue in March 2023.
This 12-year-old delightful pup was left at the shelter accompanied by all her belongings, including her own portrait.
This scene was devastating for both the shelter staff and the team at Sanctuary Rescue, illustrating the immense affection Abby received from her family. It must have been a painful ordeal for them to part with her.
![Heartwarming Turnaround: Surrendered Dog Finds Hope Through His Portrait 4 Abby the beagle abandoned at a shelter](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31025239/Abby-the-beagle-abandoned-at-a-shelter.jpg)
Narratives like this serve as further affirmation that not all families abandon their furry companions due to a lack of love, but rather because they are unable to provide proper care.
As reported by Sanctuary Rescue, upon their arrival to take Abby, they were provided with sweaters, toys, a bed, medical records, and a portrait depicting Abby’s lovely visage.
Rescue In Loving Memory Of Elizabeth
One of the motivations behind Abby’s rescue by Sanctuary Rescue was Elizabeth Ratcliffe… a Beagle owner who had generously contributed a substantial sum to the center over several years.
Sadly, Elizabeth passed away the previous year, prompting the rescue team to save Abby in her memory, as Adri Yancey, the president of the rescue, shared in an interview with Southern Living.
This act of rescue held great significance not only for Abby and her family, but also for all the members at the rescue, which makes the entire narrative even more heartwarming.
New Hope For A Senior Beagle
According to Sanctuary Rescue’s Facebook update, Abby has been placed with a foster mom named Courtney, who has provided her with all the comfort she requires:
“Foster mom informed us that Abby, the senior beagle, has quickly settled in. Yesterday, she entertained herself by sampling every single dog bed available. She fancies herself as Goldilocks.”
![Heartwarming Turnaround: Surrendered Dog Finds Hope Through His Portrait 6 Abby the beagle covers her face with her paw](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31025239/Abby-the-beagle-covers-her-face-with-her-paw.jpg)
From the photos Courtney shared with the rescue, it’s evident that Abby is enjoying her time in her new environment, and she isn’t hesitant to explore every nook in the house to spot the ideal resting place.
“She is incredibly sweet. The quietest beagle I’ve ever encountered. House-trained, well-mannered on a leash, and joyful as can be. She ADORES treats and is quite amusing at mealtime,” Courtney relates.
It appears that Abby has discovered not only the perfect sleeping spot but also some scrumptious snacks, as indicated in this video.
Sanctuary Rescue is making every effort to ensure Abby receives all the support and care she deserves, and there’s truly no better place than the nurturing home of a foster caregiver who possesses both experience and desire to enrich her life until she is finally adopted.
We can hardly fathom the challenge it was for Abby’s family to relinquish her, yet we are also confident they must be delighted to witness her thriving in a wonderful setting with kind-hearted individuals.
![Heartwarming Turnaround: Surrendered Dog Finds Hope Through His Portrait 8 Abby rolls in grass](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31025240/Abby-rolls-in-grass.jpg)
Abby, The Supermodel Doggie
Abby’s foster caregiver appears to be a fantastic dog owner who enjoys sharing delightful moments with her pets and capturing their cuteness in photographs.
Even though the 12-year-old Beagle is a senior pup, that hasn’t stopped her from participating in a photoshoot featuring a variety of outfits.
These images were simply too precious not to share:
Sweetest Lion You’ll Ever See
![Heartwarming Turnaround: Surrendered Dog Finds Hope Through His Portrait 10 Abby in a lion costume](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31025240/Abby-in-a-lion-costume.jpg)
Braided Lady
![Heartwarming Turnaround: Surrendered Dog Finds Hope Through His Portrait 12 Abby wearing bow ties](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31025241/Abby-wearing-bow-ties-681x1024.jpg)
Saint Patrick’s Doggie
![Heartwarming Turnaround: Surrendered Dog Finds Hope Through His Portrait 14 Abby wearing a costume for Saint Patrick's day](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31025242/Abby-wearing-a-costume-for-Saint-Patricks-day.jpg)
Make Room For Bunny Princess
![Heartwarming Turnaround: Surrendered Dog Finds Hope Through His Portrait 16 Abby in a bunny princess costume](https://thehomeofash-media.storage.googleapis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/31025242/Abby-in-a-bunny-princess-costume.jpg)
She’s Now Up For Adoption
Abby, the charming Beagle, is available for adoption for anyone residing within two hours of Richmond, Virginia, as detailed in the announcement from Sanctuary Rescue.
All details regarding the adoption procedure can be found on Pet Finder’s platform.
However, I must advise you early on that she does not come with her portrait, as highlighted by Sanctuary Rescue in their message:
“We’re considering hanging the dog’s portrait in our office to serve as a reminder to remain humble, to extend grace, to invest energy in loving rather than judging, and to continuously assist whenever and wherever we can, since you never know what the future holds and what surprises life might present.”