A 9-year-old black Labrador named Ladybird was discovered tethered to a public restroom at Destrehan’s Splash Park in Louisiana. Alongside her were food and water, and a note that read, “Be nice 2 dog – got stuck no car – be back soon – give my dog some water – be back in the morning.”

Given the confusion of the note’s content, local animal control initially presumed Ladybird had been abandoned and promptly transferred her to a rescue organization, the St. Charles Parish Animal Shelter. However, the next morning they received a call from Ladybird’s actual owner, who had cycled to the park to retrieve his dog. Animal control directed him to the shelter where the shelter’s staff learned the truth behind his distressing situation.

During a heartfelt conversation, the owner revealed that he had rescued Ladybird when she was just 6 weeks old. Over the last nine years, the pair had spent their lives as intrepid adventurers traveling across the country. Recently though, he had fallen on hard times.

Now homeless and without a car, he had left Ladybird at the public restroom while he sought assistance. His plan was to travel with Ladybird to North Carolina where he had family that could help him get back on his feet. But he was stranded in Louisiana without a way to get there. The staff could see his genuine concern for Ladybird, not wanting her to suffer in her senior years. After much consideration, they decided to help him transport Ladybird to his family in North Carolina. And even better, several other rescue organizations – “Turning Rescues into Pets,” “GreaterGood,” and “Wings Of Rescue” – also volunteered to assist!

This video showcases the tremendous efforts of these remarkable rescue organizations, enabling a happy ending for Ladybird. With compassion and without judgement, they came together to assist Ladybird and her owner during their time of hardship. Click the video below to witness Ladybird’s journey as she finds kindness in the face of adversity.