On a crisp afternoon near Union City, Tennessee, painting contractor Monty Byars was on his way to a job site when he spotted something unusual: a stray goldendoodle wandering near the Obion River bridge.
At first, Monty assumed the dog belonged to someone nearby, dismissing it as a country dog exploring the fields. But just a few days later, when he was on the way home with chicken dinner he picked up for his wife, Mary, the same dog caught his eye again in the same area. This time, he saw two good Samaritans offering the dog food.
Curiosity and concern drew him closer.
“Turns out someone had dropped this poor dog off, cage and all,” Monty recounts. “This poor dog probably would have never gotten far from her kennel because she saw it as her safe place. Unfortunately, where she was at, she was sure to be killed by coyotes.”
Faced with the situation, Monty knew he had to act. “No way I was going to leave this dog to fend for herself,” he says.
Monty made a split-second decision to help. He cleared enough space in his van to accommodate the dog and her kennel and took her to a nearby animal clinic.
At the clinic, staff and local rescue groups coordinated to ensure the goldendoodle received the medical attention and safe shelter she desperately needed.
The dog, estimated to be around nine months old, had severely matted fur but was otherwise healthy. Her sweet and gentle demeanor made it clear she would be a wonderful companion for a future family.
Monty credits the veterinarians and rescue volunteers for their swift action, ensuring the dog can now find a loving forever home.
This incident, unfortunately, is not altogether uncommon. Monty hopes sharing his story will raise awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership.
“Ditching a dog because you can’t take care of it or don’t want it is not the way to go about this,” Monty says. “There are good people all over West Tennessee who are willing to help. All you have to do is reach out.”
The goldendoodle’s story serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Thanks to Monty and the compassionate individuals who stepped in, this once-abandoned dog now has a second chance.
