Aly Medina has trained herself to notice what others might miss.
As a member of the pet mutual aid team at One Tail At A Time, she’s always scanning alleyways, sidewalks and side roads for animals who may need help.
But nothing prepared her for the sight that made her slam on her brakes one afternoon on the South Side of Chicago.
Near a quiet stretch of road by a train overpass, in a more rural pocket of the city, Medina noticed something unusual in the trunk of a tree.
A face.
Two wide, terrified eyes peering out from the hollow center.
She pulled over immediately.
Inside the tree trunk was a small black dog, trembling and frozen in fear. Her body was wedged into the hollow like it was the only safe place she had left in the world.
Medina locked eyes with her.
The dog didn’t bark. She didn’t run.
She just stared — scared, exhausted, unsure.
Medina named her Maya.
And from that moment on, she knew she couldn’t simply drive away.
The rescue didn’t happen overnight.
For months — through the peak of Chicago’s sweltering summer heat — Medina returned to that same stretch of road again and again.
She brought food. She brought water. And most importantly, she brought patience.
“No traps, no rushing,” One Tail At A Time later shared in a video. “Just a lot of patience and good wet food.”
Little by little, Maya began to trust her.
The dog who once pressed herself deep into a tree trunk started stepping a little closer. Lingering a little longer. Accepting help without retreating quite so fast.
Finally, with support from Chicago Animal Care and Control, Medina was able to gently guide Maya into a carrier.
When the door closed safely behind her, the team couldn’t help but smile.
After everything she’d endured alone, Maya was finally safe.
At the city shelter, Maya completed her mandatory three-day stray hold. When no one came forward to claim her, Medina didn’t hesitate.
She brought Maya home.
The shift from rescuer to foster mom felt natural. But Maya’s adjustment took time.
“She was pretty unsure about everything,” One Tail At A Time shared. “But having her buddy by her side helped to comfort her.”
Day by day, the fearful dog began to soften.
She explored the house. She learned the rhythms of family life. She discovered that couches are soft. That hands can be gentle. That love can be steady.
And then something unexpected happened.
Medina’s mom fell in love.
The shy little dog who once hid inside a tree trunk had quietly rooted herself in their hearts.
Before long, it was official.
Maya wasn’t just a foster anymore.
She was home.
“This cutie traded in her tree house for her forever house,” One Tail At A Time shared. “She’s doing wonderfully, and we’re so grateful she’s going to have an amazing life.”
What started as a pair of frightened eyes in a hollow tree ended in warm beds, family dinners and unconditional love.
All because someone noticed.
And stopped.
To help other animals like Maya, you can make a donation to One Tail At A Time.
