A dog is more than just a pet; it’s a family member who deserves to be treated with unconditional love, kindness, and respect. Sadly, we live in a world where countless animals are abandoned when they no longer serve the convenience of their owners. Too often, we hear heartbreaking stories of dogs being discarded like an old piece of furniture, their loyalty met with betrayal when they are no longer seen as “cute” or “manageable.” This is the story of a young dog named Coby, who experienced such heartbreak but was given a second chance thanks to the kindness of strangers.
Coby, a two-year-old dog, had a habit that many dogs share—he liked to dig through the garbage. It was a natural behavior for a curious pup, but his owners decided they’d had enough. Instead of working with him or seeking help, they made the cruel choice to abandon him. One day, the family Coby loved and trusted drove him to the Fairfield County Animal Shelter in South Carolina. Without a backward glance, they left him there, confused and terrified, unable to understand why the people he loved had suddenly walked away from him forever.
The shelter staff immediately noticed the heartbreaking state Coby was in. It was clear he was overwhelmed with fear and sadness. Samira El-Hage, a compassionate volunteer at the shelter, took to Facebook to share Coby’s story. She described his heartbreaking reaction after being abandoned, saying, “He is absolutely terrified, almost like a wild dog. But despite his fear, he never once growled or tried to bite us.” Samira explained how Coby reacted when they took him outside—he only wanted to hide under the raised bed or escape. He refused to make eye contact, instead standing in a corner facing the wall, trembling with fear and confusion.
Samira’s post included a photo of Coby, looking broken and scared, and it quickly made its way through social media. Hundreds of people saw his sad eyes, but it was one animal lover from several states away who truly felt called to help. Leigh Maddox, the founder of Compassion For Cats of Delaware, saw the image and felt an immediate connection with this poor abandoned dog. She knew instantly that she couldn’t let him suffer any longer. “When I saw his picture, my heart broke. I just knew we had to get him out of there,” Leigh said.
The challenge, however, was distance. Coby was nine hours away from Leigh’s home in Dover, Delaware. Transporting a frightened dog such a long distance wouldn’t be easy. While Leigh tried to figure out the logistics, help arrived from an incredible non-profit organization called Pilots N Paws. This group specializes in flying shelter dogs to foster homes across the country, giving them a chance at a better life. When the team at Pilots N Paws heard about Coby’s tragic story, they knew they had to act.
Thanks to these kind-hearted pilots, Coby was safely flown to Delaware where he met his foster mom, Olivia Fritz. From the moment Olivia met Coby, she knew helping him wouldn’t be simple. His fear was unlike anything she had seen before. He was so terrified that he wouldn’t even leave the seat of the plane voluntarily. Olivia and her husband had to gently coax him out, and even then, Coby was frozen with fear, his body limp and unresponsive.
“Once we got him out of the plane, he just went completely limp. He was shut down emotionally, not reacting to anyone or anything,” Olivia recalled. It was clear that Coby had been through an unimaginable amount of emotional trauma in his short life. But Olivia, being a true animal lover, refused to give up on him. She accepted the challenge with open arms, determined to help Coby learn that not all humans are cruel.
Olivia took her time earning Coby’s trust, understanding that his journey to recovery would not be a quick one. She was patient, kind, and attentive to his needs. Even though he was too scared to walk outside on his own, Olivia didn’t hesitate—she simply carried him in her arms so he could get fresh air. Day by day, Coby began to show tiny signs of progress. He slowly started to accept treats from Olivia’s hand and even attempted short walks around the yard. Though his progress was slow, it was steady, and every small victory was celebrated.
Regular updates were shared by Compassion For Cats of Delaware, letting the world know how Coby was adjusting to his new life. Along with another foster dog, Tiny Tim, Coby began settling in and feeling more secure. The rescue posted, “Coby is improving every single day. There’s still a long road ahead, but we have no doubt he’s going to make it.”
No one can fully understand what Coby went through during the first two years of his life. The betrayal, abandonment, and fear left scars that won’t heal overnight. However, thanks to the dedication and compassion of people like Leigh, Olivia, and the volunteers from Pilots N Paws, Coby finally has the chance to experience the love and safety every dog deserves. His recovery will take time, but for the first time in his life, Coby is surrounded by people who care for him, people who see him as a living being worthy of love—not a disposable object.
Stories like Coby’s remind us that there are still good people in the world—heroes who step in when animals are left behind and broken. They remind us of the importance of compassion and the incredible difference it can make. If you believe in the power of kindness and second chances, please share Coby’s story. Let’s celebrate the animal heroes among us and encourage others to adopt, foster, and never give up on those who need us most.
