Stray Puppy Cherishes His Newspaper as the Ultimate Treasure

Imagine losing everything: your home, your loved ones, your comfort. What would you cling to if you were left with nothing? In a heartwarming tale from the streets of northeast Houston, a small golden retriever puppy found his answer—a damp, tattered newspaper. This little pup carried his makeshift treasure with pride, strutting down the street with his head held high, blissfully unaware that a compassionate observer was watching from afar.

A Moment of Observation

During a routine patrol in northeast Houston, a Corridor Rescue volunteer spotted the puppy carrying the soggy newspaper, his attitude beaming with a sense of triumph. As he meandered along the street, there was an undeniably poignant beauty in the image he presented: a soul that had endured abandonment and hardship, yet succeeded in finding joy and purpose in a piece of discarded paper. Despite the puppy's spirited demeanor, it was evident that life on the streets was taking a toll on him.

Captivated, the volunteer recorded a brief video of the adorable creature, who they would soon come to know as Bingo, before gently scooping him up and leaving the newspaper behind—a bittersweet goodbye to his only possession.

From Streets to Safety

Bingo was not alone in his plight; he had once roamed the streets with two siblings. Reports from local residents indicated the tragic loss of one of his brothers while the other had been taken away. Upon learning of the dire circumstances, the Corridor Rescue team recognized the urgency of the situation. Waiting for help was no longer an option for Bingo; he needed immediate rescue.

The dedicated volunteer brought Bingo back to the shelter, where he was quickly provided with fluids, treatment for sarcoptic mange, and deworming to address his heavy parasite burden. Although he initially tested negative for Parvo, the situation worsened when he later tested positive for the virus. It became painfully clear just how precarious Bingo's existence had become on the unforgiving streets.

As he underwent supportive therapy for Parvo, Bingo demonstrated resilience, showing no symptoms of the viral infection. After a week of care, he began to thrive, engaging in playtime with actual toys, leaving behind the days of dragging a damp newspaper around town.

The Depths of His Struggles

“The newspaper was soggy and smelly,” Page Moore, President of Corridor Rescue, shared with The Dodo. “They gave him lots of new toys to enjoy.” However, no one could have anticipated the gravity of Bingo's condition.

Veterinary examinations laid bare the harsh realities behind his cheerful disposition. Weighing just 11 pounds, Bingo's belly was infested with parasites, and he suffered from both sarcoptic mange and a secondary bacterial skin infection—a result of scratching incessantly. He was severely dehydrated and had an uphill battle against Parvo. Thankfully, his case of Parvo was mild, enabling him to recover swiftly through diligent care.

While he navigated the streets ravaged by hunger and illness, Bingo clung tightly to that newspaper, treating it as if it were the most valuable possession in the world—a symbol of the hope he so desperately sought amidst despair.

Bingo's New Beginning

Bingo’s journey took a turn for the better. After having faced the countless challenges of street life, the little dog won the hearts of many. He healed from both mange and Parvo, learned how to play with real toys, and even joined a puppy playgroup for the first time. His transformation was heartwarming: his once-brown ears grew larger, now matching his vibrant personality.

Applications for adoption flooded in as people fell in love with Bingo’s charm. However, things didn’t always align, and prospective adopters had varied preferences—the youngest wanted pups, others preferred larger breeds, some wished for outdoor living arrangements, while many dismissed him based on his breed. But Bingo, who was soon renamed Chance, found his perfect match in Minnesota—someone who saw him for who he was, not how he looked.

Thanks to his new mom, Bingo was embraced for all his quirks, and the long-awaited happiness began to unfold.

The Path to Healing

Initially, upon arriving at the shelter, Bingo was timid and overwhelmed by his new surroundings. The environment that offered him safety and love also made him cautious. Over time, as his health improved, his spirited nature blossomed.

“He grew into an energetic little guy!” Moore described. “He was high in spirit and eager for companionship.”

Bingo thrived on the love and attention from the shelter staff and volunteers. Toys that had once been soggy newspapers were now symbols of care and belonging. Within his first month, Bingo gained 8 pounds, as he transformed into a healthy and happy dog, ready to find his forever family.

The Final Steps to Adoption

Just three months following his rescue, Chance found his forever home. His new family, living far from the perilous streets of Houston, saw a post about him and instantly felt a connection. “His mom saw his adoption listing and filled out an application with us,” Moore described. “She fell in love and Chance left Texas to live in Saint Paul, Minnesota."

Chance's new family embraced him wholeheartedly, welcoming him into their bustling household, which included three boys. He had more than just a new name; he was now a cherished member of a loving family.

A Joyful Transformation

The dog who once roamed the streets with a damp newspaper in his mouth transformed into a vibrant family companion. From having nothing but a piece of scrap paper, Chance now enjoyed an abundance of toys, love, and support. His new mom described in an update how they were a hockey family and introduced him to the game, where he happily chased after hockey pucks.

The journey from the unforgiving streets of Houston to a warm, loving home in Minnesota was nothing short of miraculous. Chance, who once held trash like it was gold, now basked in the adoration of a family that recognized him for the treasure he truly was.

In this touching story of resilience and hope, Chance’s tale serves as a reminder that love, compassion, and second chances can change lives in remarkable ways. The damp newspaper that once represented survival morphed into a testament of the love and security he now enjoys with his forever family. Chance's story is a celebration of the power of rescue and the joy of finding a home where one is treasured and cherished.