The ground burned my paws until I stopped trying to move.

My name is Darlene.

I stood behind a factory with my ribs clearly visible and my body thin from not having enough food for a long time. 

Heat pressed down on me in the open space, and there was nothing above me to block it.

A pile of bricks was behind me, and I stayed near that spot because I no longer had the strength to keep wandering. 

My legs felt weak, but I remained standing. 

My mouth stayed open as I tried to cool myself in the rising temperature.

I could not survive many more days like that.

I did not know how much longer I could last like that.

Then something unexpected happened.

Team 600MillionDogs arrived after being alerted to my location, and they came straight toward the spot where I stood. 

One of them placed a bowl of water on the ground within my reach and stepped back so I could choose what to do.

My body needed that water more than it feared the unknown,

so I walked forward and lowered my head.

I kept drinking until my breathing became steady and I could feel my balance return.

When I lifted my head, they were still there.

My strength began returning, and fear slowly loosened its grip.

My tail began to move on its own, and I leaned into the hands that touched my back. 

After gaining my trust, they placed a leash around my neck. 

I walked beside them away from the factory because I was ready to leave that place behind.

At the shelter, a veterinarian examined me right away.



After the examination, I was bathed, given clean water, and fed a proper meal.

Now I sleep on a soft bed. 

My bowl is filled every day, and my body is strong and well cared for.

Care now surrounds me every day.

I no longer stand alone in open heat, wondering if I will survive another day.

Many dogs are still standing where I once stood, thin and exhausted, waiting for someone to see them.

That is why I became a Pilot Pup — one of the rescued dogs helping lead the way toward ending suffering for the others still out there.

Rescue saved me. Prevention will save millions more.

The world's 600 million stray dogs and 87 million stray cats give birth to over 1 billion homeless puppies and kittens every year.

Tragically, those who survive, also reproduce and give birth to another generation of homeless strays - thus repeating the cycle of suffering, every year.

Many dogs are still standing in places like I once did.

This is why 600MillionDogs is developing a Cookie to break the cycle of suffering before it starts. 

A Cookie that will safely spay or neuter a stray dog or cat, and they will only have to eat one cookie, one time! 

With your help, we will end this suffering.

Please join us.

Thank you very much for helping and for caring.

With gratitude,

Darlene (Pilot Pup)

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Pilot Pup Series #25 Pilot Pup Darlene