Alice’s life on the streets of California was already difficult, but one tragic accident nearly ended it.
After ingesting acid, the small dog was left with painful chemical burns on her face and mouth. Weak, hungry, and covered in mats and ticks, she struggled to survive — until help finally arrived.
Hope For Paws rescuers Eldad Hagar and Loreta Frankonyte rushed to the scene after hearing about Alice’s condition. What they found broke their hearts.
Food had been left out for her, but she was too injured to eat. Her fur was filthy and tangled, her body frail, and her spirit so worn down that she hardly reacted when Frankonyte gently reached out to pet her.
Instead of running, Alice seemed almost relieved. She quietly accepted the leash, and before long, Frankonyte scooped her up and carried her to safety.
Wrapped in warm blankets in the back of the car, Alice began to understand she was finally safe. She even rolled over for belly rubs, as if testing whether this kindness was real.
At the hospital, vets discovered the full extent of her suffering: chemical burns, corneal ulcers, anemia, a heart murmur, and severe dental disease that would require major surgery.
Her matted coat was carefully shaved away, revealing just how thin she really was. Because her body temperature was dangerously low, she couldn’t yet handle a bath — so staff gently cleaned her with warm towels until she was strong enough.
Alice spent a week under round-the-clock care before moving into Frankonyte’s home as a foster. There, she learned what it meant to belong.
With home-cooked meals, soothing coconut oil treatments, and endless affection — plus the guidance of Frankonyte’s dogs, Bonnie and Coco — Alice slowly transformed from a broken street dog into a cherished companion.
Two months later, while Frankonyte and Hagar traveled for another rescue, Alice stayed with friends Chris and Michele Gentry — a couple who had already adopted another Hope For Paws dog.
By the time her rescuers returned, the Gentrys were completely smitten. They asked to make Alice a permanent part of their family.
Today, Alice is unrecognizable from the frail, burned dog found on the street. Her coat is thick and shiny, her body healthy and strong. She loves playing with her new sister Fiona, and her rescuers often visit to see just how far she’s come.
“This is such an amazing ending to this story,” Hagar said. “We couldn’t be happier for everybody.”
Alice’s journey is proof that with love, patience, and care, even the most broken souls can heal — and thrive.
Watch the full video of Alice's rescue below:
