Joey

I first found Joey while searching for his mother.

She was emaciated, nursing, and standing on the side of the road—her body showing clear signs that she had recently given birth. I was able to track her to a house where she and another female dog had been living underneath the structure. Both dogs had recently delivered litters there. I was told there were approximately ten puppies total, but accessing them would have required removing floorboards, so I wasn’t able to see them initially.

A few days later, the puppies were moved to the owner’s mother’s house, where they were kept in a wooden box outdoors. The conditions were extremely poor—unsafe even for an adult dog, let alone two nursing mothers and newborn puppies. The puppies were far too young to be separated from their mother, so I continued to check on them closely.

When I returned a couple of days later, I saw eight puppies—several already failing. When I went back again shortly after, only one puppy remained.

That puppy was Joey.

Joey was in devastating condition. He had alopecia across his back, multiple open sores, severe anemia with very pale gums, and signs consistent with rickets. He was weak, fragile, and clearly fighting to survive. I asked the owners if I could take him to help him—and thankfully, they agreed.

I brought Joey to the Grenada SPCA, where he immediately received treatment for fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites. From there, I brought him home to begin supportive care.

At first, Joey was quiet, scared, and unsure of the world. But within just a few hours—after warmth, food, rest, and medication—his personality began to shine through. That tiny, broken puppy turned into a wild, fierce little spirit. He started playing with toys, bouncing around the house, and fearlessly keeping up with my two personal dogs.

Over the next three months, Joey completely transformed. With consistent nutrition, medical care, and a safe environment, his body healed—and his confidence exploded. Watching him grow stronger each day was nothing short of incredible.

Joey was eventually adopted by a postgraduate veterinary student from St. George’s University and is now living his best life in Maine—healthy, loved, and thriving. He went from being the only surviving puppy in a heartbreaking situation to a joyful dog with a full, happy future.

Joey didn’t just survive—he fought, and he won.