When a scared dog named Truman was dragged into the Harris County Animal Shelter in Houston, Texas, the heartbreaking scene captured the attention of animal lovers across the country. A bystander, Ann Flores, witnessed the moment and described how the dog flopped onto the concrete, resisting every step toward the shelter. His body language was unmistakable—he was terrified and unwilling to go any further. For anyone concerned about dog abandonment and overcrowded shelters, this story highlights the emotional toll such situations take on animals.

According to Flores, Truman wasn’t alone. Another woman was dragging his sister, Mandi, into the shelter as well. Both dogs refused to walk, forcing the women to carry them. What disturbed Flores most was the seeming lack of empathy shown by the owners. “They were just laughing and giggling because the dogs wouldn’t move,” she told The Dodo. “To them, it was just like throwing trash away.” Flores, who had originally gone to the shelter with a friend interested in adopting, was so upset by the scene that she took photos and videos to share with Harris County Animal Volunteers, a group dedicated to rescuing and rehoming animals from the shelter.

The response to the dogs’ plight was swift. The group posted the footage online, and people rallied to help. Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue tagged both Truman and Mandi for rescue, but they still needed foster homes before they could be safely removed from the shelter. At the time, the shelter was overcrowded, and Truman was scheduled for euthanasia just four days after his arrival. Mandi’s scheduled date was the following day. Fortunately, foster homes were found in time to save them.

I found this detail striking: even in his most fearful moments, Truman wagged his tail. Kellie Donoghue, director of Grace Mercy Love German Shepherd Rescue, picked him up from the shelter and recalled how terrified he was. “We tried to get him to walk, but he just pancaked flat on the floor and wouldn’t move,” she said. The shelter staff had to carry Truman to her car, and despite his fear—he was even peeing from stress—his tail kept moving. It was a small but powerful sign of his willingness to trust.

Donoghue took Truman to a friend’s house to observe his behavior around children, cats, and other dogs. During the 25-minute drive, she noticed a transformation. “He was starting to warm up to me a bit,” she said. By the time they reached their destination, Truman had relaxed enough to fall asleep in the car. He passed his temperament test easily, showing signs of becoming a loving and loyal companion.

Truman was placed with his foster mom, Christina Caballero, who is fostering for the first time. She reports that Truman is doing well, though he still has challenges to overcome. He tested positive for heartworms and will need treatment before he can be adopted. Additionally, he appears to have been primarily kept outdoors and is still adjusting to indoor life. “If I want him to come in, I have to offer him a treat every time,” Caballero said. “I have to make him feel like it’s OK to come in.”

Truman’s sister, Mandi, also left the shelter safely and is now with her foster mom, Jackie Duncan. Mandi’s condition was concerning—her eyes were swollen, one nearly shut, and she had mange with missing fur. Like Truman, she was timid and unsure of how to behave in a home. But Duncan is helping her come out of her shell. “She has a ton of love in her,” Duncan said, noting that Mandi is slowly learning to trust and enjoy her new environment.

This story of two abandoned dogs, once too frightened to walk, now learning to live and love again in foster homes, is a reminder of the resilience animals show when given care and compassion. It also underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the crucial role rescue groups and foster volunteers play in saving lives. For those in the Houston area or beyond, adopting or fostering a pet can make a profound difference—not just for the animal, but for the people who welcome them into their lives.

If you’re considering opening your home to a dog or cat in need, the Harris County Animal Volunteers Facebook page is a valuable resource. And for those new to pet adoption, Dodo Adoptbot offers an interactive guide to help you get started.

Read more at thedodo.com