It was a quiet night in Northern Memphis when a call came in about a dog in desperate need of help. Her name was Nina—a gentle, eight-year-old pit bull who had endured more pain than any animal ever should. She was found living inside an abandoned car, surrounded by neglect and silence, her frail body marked by years of suffering. When rescuers learned about her situation late that evening, they didn’t hesitate. An email went out immediately, pledging to bring her to safety. By sunrise, plans were in motion to transport her to Wright-Way Rescue in Illinois, where she would begin her long road to recovery.
When Nina arrived, the sight broke everyone’s heart. She was painfully thin, her ribs visible beneath her dull coat, and two large growths hung from her abdomen—one massive and another smaller, both heavy and uncomfortable. Her back legs were covered in sores from a severe skin infection, and her body trembled from exhaustion. Despite her condition, there was still a spark in her eyes—a quiet, pleading hope that someone might finally care for her.
With much of the Southern Illinois medical team quarantined due to Covid exposure, Nina first stopped at the Admissions Center, where a veterinarian carefully examined her. Afterward, she was sent to Morton Grove, where her diagnostics and treatments could continue. Bloodwork, x-rays, and biopsies were ordered to determine the safest way forward. Because both tumors were filled with blood vessels, surgery carried great risks, and her fragile state made it even more uncertain. The team’s first goal was simple but crucial—to help her regain strength and gain enough weight to safely face any medical procedure ahead.
At the shelter, Nina was given her own cozy suite filled with soft bedding, a few toys, and bowls of nourishing food. The staff checked on her constantly, speaking to her in gentle voices and giving her the affection she had been missing for so long. They even told her about the upcoming Thanksgiving dinner the shelter traditionally holds for all their dogs, promising her a special bowl full of turkey. For the first time in years, Nina began to feel what safety and kindness truly meant.
Still, her journey was far from over. Her condition was serious, and no one could promise what the future held. But one thing was certain—the team would be ready. They would be ready to face every test result with the best care possible, ready to take extraordinary measures if there was a chance it could save her, and ready to give her the one thing she had been denied for so long—hope.
Further examination revealed painful details of her past. Nina’s x-rays showed that she had been shot in her left shoulder at some point in her life. The people who once “owned” her were battling severe drug addiction, which explained much of the neglect she had endured. She had lived in that car, suffering quietly, waiting for someone to notice her. For eight long years, she bore pain and loneliness, and now, at last, she was surrounded by people who cared deeply about giving her a second chance.
There were small victories that gave the team hope. The fever she arrived with was gone, and she had started to eat eagerly, something she hadn’t done when she first came in. An early ultrasound revealed no signs of abscesses inside her tumor, and her radiographs showed no hernia involvement. These findings, though modest, were meaningful steps forward. But soon after, a repeat blood test brought grim news—her white blood cell count was five times higher than normal, suggesting that cancer might be the cause of her suffering.
Despite the diagnosis, Nina’s spirit refused to give up. She continued her medications—pain relief, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics—and received extra fluids to help her stay strong. Over Thanksgiving, while the veterinary team took a brief holiday, Nina was transferred to a 24-hour clinic so that she would remain under close supervision. Even there, she was surrounded by gentle hands and loving hearts.
In total, six veterinarians had examined Nina, and all agreed that immediate surgery would be too dangerous. The massive tumor weighed nearly half as much as she did, and her frail condition meant she might not survive such a demanding operation. The plan was to keep building her strength—to give her every chance to recover enough to endure the procedure safely.
Over the next few days, signs of improvement became visible. Nina’s appetite returned fully, and her eyes began to brighten with cautious optimism. She started going on short walks, wagging her tail softly when she saw familiar faces. Her caregivers adored her and often stayed after their shifts just to sit beside her, stroking her head and whispering kind words. Nina, once forgotten and discarded, now had people who loved her deeply.
The following Monday, Nina was scheduled to meet a surgical specialist and undergo a CT scan. This test would show exactly how the tumor was connected inside her abdomen and whether it involved any internal organs. Until then, the staff continued to feed her nutritious meals, keep her warm and comfortable, and fill her days with gentle affection. Every moment of care, every soft word, was a step toward giving her the life she deserved.
Though her future remained uncertain, one promise was absolute—Nina would be loved, no matter what came next. She had already touched so many hearts with her resilience and quiet strength. For those who met her, she became a symbol of courage, survival, and the healing power of compassion.
Each day, Nina reminded everyone at Wright-Way Rescue why they do what they do: to give forgotten animals a chance to be seen, to heal, and to be loved again. Her story is one of pain, yes—but also of hope, dedication, and the extraordinary kindness of people who refuse to look away.
To those following her journey, thank you. Your love and support make it possible for dogs like Nina to find comfort, medical care, and dignity. Her road ahead may still be long, but she is no longer alone. For the first time in her life, she is safe, cherished, and surrounded by hearts ready to help her fight for a better tomorrow.
