There are few things in life more heartwarming than witnessing a once-abandoned or mistreated animal get a second shot at happiness. Stories of animals overcoming unthinkable hardships, only to find safety, love, and joy again, have a way of reaching deep into our hearts. Just thinking about a dog’s life being turned around fills me with warmth—and the story of Hazel, a resilient pit bull who refused to give up, is one of those powerful tales.
Hazel’s journey began in May 2020, when she was rescued by the team at Mr. Bones & Co. and Rescue the Runway after being abandoned by her owners. She was in critical condition—emaciated, frail, and suffering from multiple health issues. At just eight or nine years old, Hazel had lived a tough life. Years of backyard breeding had left her physically exhausted and broken, and she was battling diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes. To make matters worse, she was also blind, a condition caused by juvenile diabetes that had plagued her for most of her life.
Without her vision, Hazel had learned to rely on her other senses. She used her ears to listen for movement and danger, her nose to follow scents, and her sense of touch to move carefully through the world. Despite all the trauma and challenges she had faced, Hazel had a quiet strength about her. She had survived not just physically, but emotionally. There was still hope and love in her heart, and it showed in the way she interacted with her rescuers.
The staff at Mr. Bones & Co. and Rescue the Runway were immediately captivated by Hazel. She was more than just another rescue case—she was a fighter, a gentle soul who deserved a life of peace and care. But the shelter was not a permanent solution, and Hazel needed a stable home environment where she could heal, feel safe, and eventually find her forever family.
That’s when Elli and Sam, a compassionate couple, stepped in. As soon as they learned about Hazel’s condition and her need for a foster home, they didn’t hesitate. They opened their home and hearts to her, determined to give her the love and security she had been missing for so long. Understanding that Hazel was blind, Elli and Sam did their research. They wanted to help her adjust and thrive in their home, so they devised a thoughtful system that would make her surroundings both safe and navigable.
They removed sharp corners and dangerous objects, created sound cues to guide her, and developed verbal signals to let her know when she was approaching something unsafe. With patience and consistency, they worked to make Hazel feel at ease. It wasn’t long before Hazel began to adapt. Her tail started wagging again, she played more confidently, and she no longer bumped into things. The safety and affection she received made a visible difference. Day by day, she transformed into a happier, healthier dog.
Though Elli and Sam had only intended to foster Hazel temporarily, their care laid a strong foundation for her future. In the summer of 2020, Hazel was introduced to her next foster family—Allison and Pete. Like her previous foster parents, Allison and Pete provided Hazel with love, comfort, and continued support. But their time together would bring about an unexpected and beautiful twist in Hazel’s story.
Shortly after Hazel moved in, Mr. Bones & Co. announced that she would be undergoing a surgery that could change her life forever. Hazel was scheduled for cataract surgery to restore her vision. It was a glimmer of hope no one had expected, and Allison and Pete were eager to be part of this life-changing moment.
In October 2020, Hazel underwent bilateral cataract surgery with artificial lens implantation. The procedure went smoothly, and after a few days of rest at the hospital, Hazel was ready to go home. When her foster parents came to pick her up, they experienced something truly emotional—the moment Hazel saw them for the first time. After spending her life in darkness, Hazel was finally able to look into the eyes of the people who had shown her kindness and care. That simple act of recognition, of sight, was incredibly moving.
In the weeks that followed, Allison took on the responsibility of administering Hazel’s post-op eye drops, a task made easier with the help of some delicious treats. Hazel continued to grow stronger, both physically and emotionally. With her vision restored and her health steadily improving, she was finally ready to move on to the next chapter of her life.
Just a few months later, Hazel was adopted by a loving family in Massachusetts. Her new parents, Onalie and John, along with their dog Cooper, welcomed her with open arms. According to the rescue center, Hazel was “living her best life” with her new family, enjoying the peace and happiness she had been denied for so many years.
Hazel’s story is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and second chances. From being abandoned and sick to becoming a cherished family member, Hazel’s journey reminds us that no matter how broken a life may seem, love has the power to heal. Every dog deserves safety, care, and a family to call their own—and thanks to a chain of kind-hearted people, Hazel finally got hers.
