A Carolina Dog named Leia first came into the lives of her adopted family when she wandered onto their property as a stray this past spring. She ran into their driveway, and they immediately noticed she was friendly but very thin and hungry.
TikTok user @wildwayranch gave the stray dog a bath and brush right away, as she was covered in fleas and ticks. Leia didn’t mind the attention at all.
@wildwayranch I’m not sure what brought her to us, but we’ll do our best for this deserving dog #straydog #rescuedog #animalsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Zach Bryan Archive
Initially, they placed Leia in the barn because she couldn’t stay inside their home until her health was checked. However, Leia refused to stay in the barn and kept escaping. The family wasn’t sure if she would remain on their property overnight, but the next morning, when they opened their front door, there she was.
@wildwayranch Adding this precious girl to our family just felt right welcome to the ranch Leia #rescuedog #rescueanimals #rescuestory #straydogs #gooddog ♬ Home – Edith Whiskers
@wildwayranch took Leia to the vet, where it was confirmed that she wasn’t microchipped. The vet estimated she was around a year old and treated her for parasites and worms. When Leia’s dislike of confinement became apparent—a common trait of Carolina Dogs—the family installed an invisible fence so she could roam safely when outside.
TikTok / @wildwayranch
The family decided to keep Leia, though at first, they worried if they had made the right choice. However, within six days, it was clear that Leia was there to stay.
“We are so blessed she picked us,” said @wildwayranch.
@wildwayranch God’s hand led Leia to our door, of that we can be certain. #rescuedog #straydog #rescueanimals #happystory ♬ Yellow – Acoustic – Beth
Leia is thriving with her new family, enjoying car rides, walks, and playing games. She spent her first Christmas with them, and the family couldn’t be more thankful. “She is so, so special,” @wildwayranch wrote. And from Leia’s wagging tail and happiness she is also grateful for them.
@wildwayranch Christmas with Leia was magical #straydog #update #viralupdate #christmas #rescuedog ♬ Polar Express – ~Toby~
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