It was a sunny day in Fort Payne, Alabama. My wife and I were house hunting, but in between viewings, we decided to explore the scenic beauty of the Little River Wildlife Management Area. We never imagined this detour would lead to finding a dumped dog.

Driving through the winding roads, our hearts stopped when we saw a beagle lying by the side of the road. At first, we feared the worst, thinking he’d been hit by a car. We pulled over immediately, hoping to help.

As we approached, it became clear the little guy was terrified. He bolted every time we got close, darting dangerously near a cliff’s edge. One wrong move, and he could’ve fallen.

Desperate to save him, we came up with a plan. We had some leftover rotisserie chicken in the van, and piece by piece, we used it to lure him closer. Slowly but surely, he started to trust us, and finally, we managed to slip a leash around his neck.

We named him Alabama. He was emaciated, a heartbreaking sign of how long he’d been abandoned. We took him into town to check for a microchip, hoping someone was looking for him. But no chip, no family. It was clear he was on his own.

That’s when we made the decision: Alabama was coming with us. We brought him back to Pennsylvania, determined to give him a second chance.

With the help of the amazing team at Nittany Beagle Rescue, Alabama’s story took a beautiful turn. In no time, he found a loving home where he’s now living his best life, surrounded by care and compassion.

His journey from the side of the road in Alabama to a happy home in Pennsylvania is a reminder of how powerful a single act of kindness can be. That day, we had a choice—and we’re so grateful we chose the path of compassion.

Today, Alabama is thriving. And every time I think back to that moment in Fort Payne, I’m reminded that even the smallest decisions can lead to life-changing outcomes.