A little, three-week-old puppy was found abandoned and alone along a barren railway track in a heartbreaking image. Fear gripping her frail body, her once-soft fur now matted with grime and parasite-infested. In her brief existence, this defenseless creature—named Diana by her rescuers—had already overcome more obstacles than most people could have imagined.

Empathy driving them, the rescuers did not lose any time in lending a hand to the terrified dog. They went about trying to save Diana’s life with tenderness and unflinching will. Over an hour passed as they labored to remove every bloodsucking tick and bothersome flea from her fragile body.

Diana was in terrible conditions, yet her spirit would not go out. She started to exhibit resilience with every second that went by, her eyes that had been terrified gradually starting to trust the people who had helped her. She had started down the road to a better future even though her road to recovery would not be simple.

Diana was moved right away to get the medical care she so sorely required after her rescue. Veterinarians were watching her as she started her difficult fight against the health issues that had dogged her from infancy. She began to restore her strength gradually but certainly after several therapies and kind care.

Diana is a living example today of the strength of kindness and tenacity. She defies expectations in spite of the deck being loaded against her; her once-frail physique is now strong and vibrant. She becomes more certain and curious to explore the world around her with every day that goes by.

Diana is far from done, though. She is excited about the day when she will find her forever home as she keeps working toward a complete recovery. She is about to start a new chapter in her life, full of love and friendship and the prospect of a better future, with immunizations under way and her health improving.

Diana will always represent tenacity and hope to everyone who contributed to her incredible rescue. She will be much more to the fortunate person or family who gives her their heart and home—a devoted friend, an endless supply of happiness, and a reminder of the amazing potential of second chances.