On November 1st, a couple who had just purchased an old, long-abandoned house made a heartbreaking discovery that would change their lives—and the life of one forgotten dog—forever. As they walked through the dusty rooms trying to understand the condition of the property, they heard a faint noise, something soft, almost like a weak cry. Following the sound, they reached a closed interior room. When they opened the door, they found a dog who would later be named Valentine. He was locked inside, alone, and in devastating condition. What they saw was the kind of moment that stays with a person forever. Valentine, a slender greyhound-type dog, was severely underweight, so thin that every bone seemed to press through his fragile skin. His body was covered in fleas and parasites, and he had raw, visible sores that showed how long he had been suffering with no relief. It is believed that he was abandoned there by his previous owner, someone who had assured the real estate agent that they did not own a dog. That detail alone suggests that Valentine had been shut inside that room, deliberately ignored, and left to waste away. With no access to food and only the chance of rainwater seeping into the space, he had somehow managed to cling to life for weeks, surviving on nothing but instinct and a will that refused to fade.
The couple immediately contacted a local rescue group, and Marisa, a volunteer from Coração 100dono, rushed to the location without hesitation. The moment she saw Valentine, she knew every second counted. Gently lifting his frail body, she brought him straight to a veterinarian who began examining him right away. Despite how weak he appeared, Valentine showed small, unmistakable signs that he had not given up. His eyes, sunken but alert, followed every movement in the room, as if he knew help had finally arrived. The veterinary team provided urgent medical treatment, carefully administering fluids and medication, and offering him specialized food made specifically for severely malnourished dogs. Even in his desperate state, Valentine tried to lift his head, a quiet show of courage that made everyone in the room pause. It was as if he wanted them to know he was still fighting.
After stabilizing him, Valentine was transferred to the rescue shelter, where a warm bed, soft blankets, and round-the-clock care were waiting. The transformation, even in the first days, shocked everyone. With consistent nutrition and gentle support, Valentine gained a full kilo—2.2 pounds—within just three days. For a dog that close to starvation, it was a sign of hope that felt almost miraculous. Word of his rescue spread quickly through the community. Once people heard his story, support began pouring in, not only online but from local families who wanted to help however they could. Children arrived carrying toys, treats, and handwritten notes, while others donated food and supplies. In every small act of kindness, Valentine was reminded that the world had not forgotten him.
His appetite slowly returned, and the shelter volunteers watched with joy as he began to eat with more enthusiasm, wagging his tail and even nudging the hands that fed him. What began as a quiet, uncertain recovery soon became a beautiful journey filled with milestones. Valentine started walking again, first taking slow, shaky steps, and then gradually building enough strength to move around the shelter with confidence. One of his most emotional breakthroughs came when the team took him outside for a gentle walk along the beach. Feeling the fresh air and hearing the waves, he lifted his head higher than he had since the day he was found. The volunteers said it was the first time they saw him truly relax, as though he finally believed he was safe.
As the days passed, Valentine began interacting with other dogs at the shelter. At first he was cautious, unsure of how to behave after such an isolating experience. But little by little, he allowed himself to play. He sniffed, wagged, and even joined in gentle games, learning again what it felt like to be part of a world that cared for him. Each moment showed his growing confidence—a reminder that healing is not just physical, but emotional too. Though his body is still gaining strength and his sores continue to heal, Valentine is now surrounded by affection, comfort, and consistent care. He sleeps on warm bedding, enjoys hearty meals, and no longer worries about where his next sip of water will come from.
The rescue team is determined to give Valentine every chance at a full recovery. They continue to share his journey, not for shock or drama, but to help him find a loving, permanent home—a family who will cherish him every single day. Valentine’s story is painful, but it is also a testament to the extraordinary resilience of animals who refuse to give up, even when the world has turned its back on them. Today, he is safe. He is warm. He is surrounded by people who see him as the precious soul he is. And with time, patience, and the love he deserves, Valentine will step into the new beginning he fought so hard to reach.
