A Wounded Soul in Need of a Miracle
Luna’s three-legged dog adoption story is one of resilience, healing, and love across state lines. After surviving a gunshot wound and losing one of her front legs, the timid beagle found herself in a North Carolina shelter — scared, injured, and in desperate need of a home.
The shelter reached out for help, and Triangle Beagle Rescue of North Carolina responded. They quickly realized Luna’s leg couldn’t be saved and scheduled an amputation.
“Scared, skittish, and with her gunshot wound oozing, she was a trooper, waiting two weeks for her surgery because of how busy animal hospitals are in the area,” Jeanne Latshaw, her former foster parent, told McClatchy News via email.
“She could put very little weight on that leg, so physically adjusting to the amputation was actually quite easy for her, and she healed quickly, although the emotional healing took a little more time.”
A Quiet Spirit With a Love for Pizza Crusts
Despite her difficult start, Luna began showing glimpses of her gentle spirit in her foster home. Known for being shy and cautious, she slowly warmed up to her surroundings. Her favorite treat? Pizza crusts — which she patiently waited for by hovering around the kitchen.
“She’s quiet, observant, and leaves only a few nose prints on the windows as proof of her gentle curiosity,” rescuers wrote in a Facebook post.
The rescue hoped Luna would eventually find a family who could provide not only a loving home but also the patience and companionship she needed to rebuild trust — ideally, with another dog to help guide her.
A Long-Distance Love Story Begins
That hope became a reality when a family from New Jersey spotted Luna’s story online. Touched by her resilience and calm nature, Chelsea Crowley and Scott Cammerino felt an immediate connection, despite living hundreds of miles away.
“A family from New Jersey, moved by her story on social media, applied to adopt her,” the rescue wrote in a blog post on April 28. “They drove all the way to North Carolina to meet the dog they already loved from afar.”
This emotional three-legged dog adoption inspired many online and reminded people of the lasting impact of giving disabled pets a chance.
Luna’s New Beginning
The drive proved worth every mile. Luna officially became part of the Crowley-Cammerino household, joining the couple and their two other dogs.
“My husband and I had been toying with the idea of a third, but it wasn’t until nearly a year later that I saw Luna’s post and knew we had to apply,” Crowley told McClatchy News via email. “We just had a feeling she would fit in so well here with us. We’re so lucky to have her.”
Now, Luna is settling into her new home, learning to trust again and enjoying the companionship of her canine siblings.
A Beautiful Ending to a Broken Beginning
Luna’s journey — from injury and abandonment to recovery and adoption — is a powerful reminder that even the most painful beginnings can lead to beautiful new chapters. With her adoption, Luna proves that love and patience can heal even the deepest wounds. Her new family, who believed in her from miles away, has given her the second chance she deserves, and she’s now thriving in a home where she’s cherished.
