06/10/2026
From Forgotten to Forever Loved: Maddie’s Miracle Story
Some rescues happen by chance. Others feel like destiny.
One morning, PAWS friend Nicole was on her way to the veterinarian when she spotted a dog standing alone in the middle of the road. Concerned for her safety, Nicole pulled over. The dog quietly wandered down a nearby residential street toward a group of young girls playing outside.
One little girl, no older than seven, told Nicole the dog’s name was Maddie. She explained Maddie belonged to the couple across the street, but softly added, “They’re not nice to her.” The girl shared that Maddie was often left outside or wandering the neighborhood. Whenever Maddie showed up, the family tried to care for her, even though they were not allowed to have dogs where they lived.
Soon, the little girl’s mother came outside and shared even more of Maddie’s heartbreaking story. Just two weeks earlier, Maddie had been attacked by the owner’s other dogs and had wandered injured into their yard. The family did their best to help her heal, keeping her safe in their backyard and carport. They noticed Maddie seemed withdrawn and low-energy — unless the little girl was nearby. It was obvious Maddie adored children. The mother also explained that Maddie’s owner struggled with drug addiction and had recently been released from jail following a domestic abuse charge.
The next day, Nicole returned and spoke with Maddie’s owners, asking if they would surrender her to our dog rescue. Thankfully, they agreed. Shockingly, they showed little concern for Maddie’s whereabouts and said she was probably somewhere wandering the street.
Nicole searched for Maddie, found her nearby, and asked the neighbors to keep her safe temporarily. Later that day, Nicole picked Maddie up for good. The little girl cried as Maddie left, but she understood it was the best chance Maddie had for a better life.
Nicole already had a veterinary appointment scheduled for Maddie. During her exam, the veterinarian discovered a large mass on her hip and confirmed she desperately needed major dental work. Maddie received vaccinations and immediate care before heading to the groomer for a much-needed spa day. After grooming, Maddie was welcomed into the loving foster home of Parrish and Damaris Spisz, one of PAWS’ dedicated team members.
About a week later, Maddie underwent major dental surgery with multiple extractions. Once she recovered, veterinarians removed the large mass on her hip, nearly the size of an adult hand. Additional testing revealed even more challenges: Maddie tested positive for both Heartworm disease and Valley Fever. By this point, Maddie’s medical expenses had exceeded $2,000, covered through the generosity of Nicole, PAWS, and Parrish and Damaris Spisz.
Before her surgeries and treatments, Maddie was quiet, distant, and unsure of the world around her. But love changes everything. Today, Maddie is a happy, playful dog who enjoys walks, affection, and simply being part of a family. And the best part of all?
She now calls Parrish “Dad” and Damaris “Mom” because they officially adopted her forever. See photos below and how Maddie is thriving today! Maddie is on the left side of the video.
You can also see this story on PAWS website: www.poundanimalsworthsaving.org you can just scroll down or click on Donate and scroll down. Soon we will have a FEATURED STORIES button with many other success and information stories.
