A woman was shocked to hear about a dog found with a rope around its neck, but despite her initial concerns, she ended up welcoming the dog into her home with open arms.
Heather Tolaro, a single mom from Lincolnshire, Illinois, was contacted by a friend last week who found a stray dog with a rope tied around its neck outside her home. The friend, who was allergic to dogs, couldn’t keep her and reached out to Tolaro for help.
Initially unsure if she could afford to care for the dog, Tolaro couldn’t resist the sweet pup after spending three hours with her. She decided to take Bella Star home temporarily until finding her owner.
Tolaro shared, “My friend found the dog near the expressway, so we weren’t sure where she came from. I took her in without knowing her history.”
Despite efforts to locate the owner through shelters, police, and online posts, no one has come forward. Tolaro even went to the vet to check for a microchip but found nothing.
After two days with Bella Star, Tolaro’s mother-in-law showed her a video of a dog being abandoned, possibly in the same area. Though unsure if it was Bella Star, Tolaro felt a deeper connection with the dog and decided to make her a part of the family.
Expressing how quickly Bella Star fit into their lives, Tolaro said, “It’s like she’s always been with us. She’s well-behaved, sleeps with us, enjoys car rides, and walks. It’s truly heartwarming.”
Seeking professional help, Tolaro took Bella Star to the vet, where it was estimated that she is under a year old and may have been a witness to domestic violence in her previous home. Bella Star shows protectiveness towards Tolaro and her daughter but is cautious around men.
Social Media Impact
Initially, Tolaro shared a video of Bella Star on TikTok to find her owner, but the response was overwhelming. In the video, Bella Star cuddles up on Tolaro’s lap, garnering over 4.3 million views and nearly 600,000 likes.
The heartwarming story of Bella Star captured the attention of social media users, leading Tolaro to provide regular updates on TikTok. The viral post has already received over 6,300 comments.
Commenters expressed their support, with one writing, “She loves you. You were meant to be together.” Another user remarked, “She’s hugging you. She wants to stay.” And a third person added, “She’s thanking you. Rescues are the best.”