Pets have a way of coming into our lives in unexpected ways. Recently, a FedEx delivery driver named Alex Badecker had an encounter that would change both their life and the lives of two emaciated pit bulls forever.
While on their usual route in Virginia, Alex came across a heartbreaking sight: two emaciated pit bulls in the middle of the road, desperate for help. It was clear that these poor dogs had been abandoned and they had wounds in their sides. Despite not being allowed to have passengers, Alex couldn’t just leave them there to potentially get hit by a car.
“I pulled over and checked to see if they had any tags or identification, but there was nothing,” Alex shared with WTVR. “As soon as I saw them, it nearly made me cry.”
Concerned for their safety, Alex decided to take the dogs along the route, even though it wasn’t protocol. They couldn’t bear to abandon them. After completing their deliveries, Alex took the dogs to Morgan’s Mutts Rescue, a nearby rescue center.
The dogs, named FedEx and Autumn, were in terrible condition. They were filthy and extremely thin. After being examined by veterinarians, it was determined that FedEx had a mass in his small bowel. Sadly, it was unlikely he would survive surgery, so the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him. Morgan’s Mutts expressed their love and care for FedEx in a heartfelt Facebook post, ensuring he felt safe and loved during his final days.
Fortunately, Autumn proved to be a fighter and continued to recover. In a Facebook update, the rescue reported that she tested negative for tick diseases and heartworm. With nobody claiming her, it became obvious that Autumn needed to find a new home. And that’s when a familiar face stepped in.
Even after dropping off the dogs at the rescue, Alex maintained contact and checked on their progress. When they learned that Autumn was a potential foster care candidate, Alex knew it was meant to be. They decided to open their heart and home to Autumn and gave her the new name Iris.]
“[Alex] had been thinking about adding another dog to their family for over a year, but nothing had caught their eye until now!” Morgan’s Mutts expressed on Facebook. The match between Alex and Iris was a perfect one. Iris, which means rainbow, symbolizes hope and her new life.
According to Alex, Iris is doing exceptionally well. She has gained weight and is now a happy, silly, and affectionate goofball. It’s incredible to see the transformation from the weak and starving dog Alex found by the road just weeks ago. This story speaks to the transformative power of kindness.
Alex plans to officially adopt Iris after fostering her. It’s a rescue story that was truly meant to be. We extend our deepest gratitude to Alex for going above and beyond to save these abandoned dogs and for giving Iris (formerly Autumn) an amazing new home.
If you are a dog lover, please share this heartwarming story. Let us celebrate the extraordinary bond between humans and animals.
