We normally go on vacation because we want to spend less time thinking about our daily responsibilities. During our free time, most of us just want to recharge and treat ourselves with massages, a day on the beach, eating our comfort food, or just have a quiet downtime.

We often see a lot of things when we go out, especially when you’re in a different city or country. But how often did you see something that had such a great impact on you that it made you stop and think about how you can help?

That’s exactly one tourist did when a depressed stray dog caught her attention while walking down the streets of Romania.

Stray dogs are a common sight wherever we go. It’s sad to think that they spend most of their time begging for food on the streets and without a roof over their heads that can protect them from harsh climates or from any harm outside.

Sure, we sometimes give them temporary relief by giving food or water. But how many of us actually took the initiative on really helping them out?

After seeing the helpless dog cowering in a corner, the tourist decided to call for help.

Thankfully, the woman knew exactly who to call for help. She immediately asked assistance from Howl of a Dog which is a small, nonprofit animal rescue organization in Romania.

While waiting for the group, she went around asking some locals about the stray dog. Turns out that that the poor pup has been living in that small, cramped space for years! It’s hard to imagine how it was barely living in such horrid conditions.

The rescuers decided to give the dog a name as soon as they arrive.

The poor pup was named Helen, and they did not waste any time in taking her off the streets. After gaining her trust by feeding her some treats, they took Helen for a two-hour long drive to the vet.

Finally, Helen received proper medical care after living outside for years. The vet took her blood and ran some tests – what they have discovered next was truly heartbreaking.

Helen had been living on the streets for over six long years.

Study shows that dogs age faster than humans, thus six years is almost a quarter of Helen’s life. Just imagine being in your 40’s, begging and living on the streets since you were a kid – that’s clearly not an ideal way to live your life!

Helen was also diagnosed with a rare dog disease called Anaplasmosis which was caused by tick bites. Fortunately, she was a fighter and quickly recovered from the disease.

After overcoming all her health issues, it was finally time for Helen to find a loving family that would take her home. The organization put her up for adoption and soon enough, a family came and took her home.

Finally, after six long years, Helen is now happily living in her forever home.

Sometimes, the small things that we do for others can make a huge difference in their lives. And in Helen’s case, it only took a simple phone call to change her world for the better.

Watch the video below to see Helen’s journey towards her new family.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Article Sources:

Animal Channel

Howl Of A Dog

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By Jamie Maraña

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Jamie Maraña is a contributor at SBLY Media.