In a quiet Romanian village, a small black-and-white dog lay motionless by the roadside—injured, alone, and forgotten. But thanks to one woman’s compassion and the mission of a devoted rescue organization, that final moment of despair would mark the beginning of a brand-new life for Alice.
In April, Gea, a team leader for Barking Mad Dog Rescue, was on her way to the shelter when she spotted the frail pup curled by the roadside. Without a second thought, she stopped her car, lifted Alice gently into her arms, and unknowingly started a rescue story that would move thousands online.
Forgotten on the Roadside
Hilary, a spokesperson for Barking Mad Dog Rescue, told Newsweek that Romania remains “a country where there is great need of help” when it comes to animal welfare. Attitudes toward dogs can be harsh, and abuse and abandonment are far too common.
“Abandonment has increased again since COVID,” Hilary explained. “The halting of spay campaigns meant so many backward steps—years of work undone, especially with strays.”
With limited access to veterinary care and overcrowded shelters, Barking Mad has become a vital safety net for the country’s most vulnerable dogs.
A Village Shelter Built on Love
Alice was brought to the group’s smaller shelter—a humble village home without even an indoor bathroom or running hot water. Run by Gea’s parents, the home provides sanctuary for dogs too fragile for the main facility.
“This is a basic village house,” Hilary said, “yet the dogs are so well looked after and loved.”
Alice was quickly given flea and tick treatments, dewormed, and fed properly. But her body told a deeper story. She was still weak and clearly in pain.t.
A Closer Look at Alice’s Wounds
A visit to the vet confirmed what rescuers feared. Alice had inflamed intestines, gas in her lungs, and several broken ribs—injuries Hilary described as “very common in rescued dogs,” often the result of repeated kicking.
There were also stones found in her intestines. The rescue believes Alice may have eaten them to stave off hunger.
Despite all she had endured, Alice remained gentle and affectionate.
A Simple Promise That Changed Everything
Accompanying the video, the rescue wrote a heartfelt caption that captured their mission:
“Who knows what awful things this sweet girl experienced before we found her,” the post read. “We have promised her that nothing like this will ever happen to her again. She will only ever know love going forward.”
Alice has made a remarkable recovery and is no longer waiting. She has a forever family in the United Kingdom, and though she still has some healing to do, her days of suffering are behind her.
A New Life, A New Chapter
Alice’s story is more than just a rescue tale—it’s a powerful reminder of the cruelty far too many animals endure, and the extraordinary impact of a single act of compassion. Abandoned, injured, and left to fend for herself, Alice was on the verge of becoming another forgotten stray. But one roadside stop changed everything.
From that moment, a promise was made—not just to heal her wounds, but to show her a world where kindness exists. In the hands of her rescuers, she found comfort. In their care, she found safety. And eventually, she found a home where her past no longer defines her.
“Alice has had multiple adoption offers and is now reserved for a family in the U.K.,” Hilary said. “She needs some more time healing but is really on the mend. There is still a small area in her lungs that is cloudy but reducing. Otherwise, she is fab.”
Alice now walks with her head held high—not because her scars are gone, but because she’s finally seen what it means to be loved. She’ll never be left behind again—and that’s the promise that truly saved her.
