Santine Lilybelle, a 4-year-old female French Bulldog, endured unimaginable trauma, but her remarkable courage led her through it. Dumped at a veterinarian’s office, Santine arrived with not only lifeless puppies in her womb but also an infected uterus.
Her heartbreaking ordeal began after her puppies had tragically passed away inside her, leaving her in dire condition. But thanks to Roadogs Rescue, a Southern California-based organization, Santino got a chance at a new life, undergoing surgery to treat her infection.
Once rescued, Santine found a new home with Kelly Sayer, who decided to foster the scared and traumatized dog. However, upon arrival, Santine was fearful and distrustful of humans. Kelly shared on Instagram, “When she arrived here to us, she was so scared, her eyes were bulging out of her and she watched our every move like a hawk.”
Santine wouldn’t let Kelly touch her and even growled at Kelly’s children, a reaction that came from the pain and suffering she had endured at the hands of humans. Despite her initial fear, Kelly and her family showed Santine patience, and slowly, the little dog began to open up.
The breakthrough came when Kelly’s son, Landon, took a gentle approach: offering Santine treats, interacting with her positively, and then walking away. This tactic worked, and after just 10 days in her foster home, Santine’s personality began to shine. She became much friendlier, especially with kids older than 11 years, and she was also welcoming to other dogs and cats.
Now, Santine is thriving. She enjoys playing with toys, particularly fetch, and her loving nature is evident. She is ready for adoption and would make a perfect companion for any family, especially in a calm and stable environment. Santine’s resilience after losing her puppies and battling a dangerous infection is inspiring, and she remains hopeful for a forever home filled with love.
Santine’s story highlights the importance of giving rescued animals a second chance, as she continues her journey of healing and trust. If you think you can offer Santine the loving home she deserves, you can apply for her adoption in Shingle Springs, California.
