I’m celebrating my birthday today, but I haven’t gotten any birthday greetings yet.

Valinda Cortez was on her way to a store in North Carolina when she came across a heartbreaking sight: an abandoned dog, soaked by the rain and with a look of despair and resignation that broke her heart. The little creature, with its wet fur and trembling body, seemed to have lost all hope.

“As I got out of the car, my heart sank,” Valinda said. “This little girl had spent so much time outside in the rain and cold. She was so discouraged, so resigned. It was obvious that she had been abandoned.”

Valinda, touched by the plight of the dog, knew she had to do something. She approached carefully, avoiding sudden movements that might scare her. She wrapped her in a blanket to protect her from the cold and sat beside her, waiting patiently for the trust in her eyes to return.

For more than an hour, Valinda stayed with the dog, speaking to her in a soft voice and stroking her wet fur. Valinda offered her food and water, showing her that she had nothing to fear. Little by little, the little girl began to relax, letting herself be petted and licking Valinda’s hand with a shyness that was touching.

“She had been disappointed by humans, but I knew that with a little love, food and warmth, she could regain her faith in humanity,” Valinda said.

Convinced that the dog was ready for a new life, Valinda called her friend Sue Massi, a dedicated animal rescuer in the city. Sue arrived in less than 20 minutes and took the dog to the shelter, where she would receive the medical attention and care she needed.

Valinda, her heart full of hope, thought about the little dog, whom she had named Cassie. “She deserves a second chance,” Valinda thought. “She deserves a family that will love her and care for her.”

And so it was. Cassie, the dog who had once lost hope, found a new home where she was loved and cared for. Her sad look was transformed into an expression of joy and gratitude.

Cassie’s story is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always a light of hope. An act of compassion, a helping hand, can change the life of a helpless being. And the joy of seeing Cassie happy, full of life and love, is the best reward for Valinda and Sue, who restored her faith in humanity.