When dog lover and advocate Madison Palm saw a posting on Facebook for a “free” 7-year-old Corgi, she knew she had to get the pup in a safer situation.
“I called animal control, they did nothing,” Madison told iHeartDogs.
So, she took matters into her own hands. Madison took an early lunch at work and headed straight for the address that promised the dog was “first come, first serve.”
When she arrived, Madison was shocked at the condition of the property.
“I pulled up to a house with about 20 broken down vehicles in the yard, dogs running everywhere, and some very concerning smells,” she said.
Then, amidst the mess, a Corgi named Cora approached her as if knowing she was about to be saved.
“I got out of my truck and headed toward the house when I was met by a very dirty, smelly, and gentle dog with a wiggly butt. I kneeled while speaking to the woman as Cora nuzzled under my leg trying to get as close as she could to my body.”
Madison met with the owner and learned that Cora had birthed so many litters of puppies, her most recent only had one survivor. While the woman was not a breeder, Madison learned that the Corgi’s medical and hygienic needs had likely never been met.
“I guess no one in that house ever thought Cora deserved to be spayed or spared the pain and suffering of multiple pregnancies from neighboring male dogs.”
Madison didn’t hesitate to take the woman up on her offer of a “free” dog, rescuing Cora from the horrific situation. In addition to treating a “horrendous yeast infection” that festered in both Cora’s ears, she was planning on taking the pooch to the vet, getting her spayed, then finding her a loving home. Madison already had a dog — a Corgi named Stu — and was able to keep him in a building that didn’t allow pets since he’s an emotional support animal (ESA).
But as she began caring for Cora, Madison realized she couldn’t live without her, even if that meant moving to a new home. So, she did.
The pup has enjoyed her new, love-filled life for 7 months now, and her mellow and well-mannered personality has shone through. As a woman who’s found relief in her ESA dog Stu, Madison realized that Cora was also a talented comforter.
“I am currently training her to become a therapy dog because of her kind and comforting nature and the amount of joy she brings everyone she meets,” she said. “She is just naturally obedient and well behaved. If I am in a crowded place with her I can say ‘under’ and point under the table or chair and she will lay down underneath.”
That’s why, on a recent trip from Idaho to Alaska, she had Cora tag along.
In between flights, the two missed their plane and ended up stuck in the airport for a 6-hour layover.
“Cora just kind of walked around in our little seating area and said ‘hi’ to everyone who was walking by and sitting near us,” Madison said. “She was taking a snooze so I let go of her leash briefly while I relaxed and had a snack; that is when she woke up and snuck over to him.”
The man was a fellow passenger in the waiting area, and Madison immediately got up to retrieve her pup, not wanting her to be a nuisance to the sad-looking traveler.
“I asked him if she was bothering him, and with a somber face and watery eyes, he said ‘No, no; I lost my dog last night.'”
“He scratched behind her ears, patted her on the back and was whispering how cute she was to her.”
“He took out his phone to snap a photo and she sat directly in front of him facing him and staying perfectly still for it. She was probably with him for about 6 minutes.”
Despite the years of suffering that Cora has endured, she has a knack for empathy.
“I truly think she has a gift. She knows who is hurting and she knows who needs her, I’ve never questioned that. I am blown away by her on a daily basis. Who knew a dog who was unloved for 7 1/2 years could have so much love to give?”
If you can’t get enough of this precious pup, follow @the.corgi.cora on Instagram.
Special thanks to Madison for letting us share this heartwarming story!
