Woman Sees Little House On Side Of Road And Realizes Something's Wrong

"Oh my gosh, there's something in here."

One day in late April, Judy Obregon wasn't feeling very well — and she nearly skipped her almost daily trip to Echo Lake Park in Fort Worth, Texas. 

But it's a very good thing that Obregon, founder of animal rescue organization The Abandoned Ones (TAO), decided to go anyway.

Abandoned little house on side of road in Fort Worth, Texas
The Abandoned Ones

As she was driving along the road, she saw something strange: a small, plush little house that seemed to have been dumped on the side of the road. 

"Oh my gosh," she said as she pulled over and made her way toward the object, "there's something in here." The house seemed to jostle a little as Obregon approached. 

Dog in abandoned little house in Fort Worth, Texas
The Abandoned Ones

This event would probably seem extraordinary to almost anyone else, but it is the norm for Obregon, who goes almost every day to comb the area since it's an infamous dumping ground for unwanted animals. But that doesn't mean it ever gets easier. 

The Abandoned Ones

As Obregon peeked inside and saw a terrified tiny dog peeking out from a urine-soaked bed, she realized that this dog was her new rescue. And so, as she's done so many times before, she immediately started the hard work of helping this abandoned dog heal. 

Dumped dog saved from side of road in Fort Worth, Texas
The Abandoned Ones

There's something about Obregon's demeanor that almost instantly helps these abandoned dogs feel safe.

Dumped dog saved from side of road in Fort Worth, Texas
The tiny dog immediately jumped up to kiss her rescuer. | The Abandoned Ones

Once this little dog, who weighed just about 3 pounds, was placed in the passenger seat beside Obregon, she jumped up to give her rescuer a kiss. 

Dumped dog saved from side of road in Fort Worth, Texas
Obregon believes the dog may have been abandoned because of her skin problems. | The Abandoned Ones

Obregon believes that the dog may have been abandoned because of her skin infection — the vet determined that the 10-week-old dog had a case of mange and some infections stemming from that condition.

The Abandoned Ones

"She has the sweetest soul with her soulful eyes," Obregon wrote. And that's how she came to choose the dog's name: Najila, which means "eyes that glisten" in Arabic. "I wanted to find a name that meant something." 

The Abandoned Ones

And since meeting Obregon, Najila — Jila for short — has hardly taken her big eyes off the woman who saved her life. And it doesn't seem that she can help wagging her tail happily every time she sees her. 

Abandoned dog saved in Fort Worth, Texas
The Abandoned Ones

Jila is getting medicated baths to help her skin heal — and she's also getting plenty of toys and attention to help her recover emotionally. 

Abandoned dog saved in Fort Worth, Texas
The Abandoned Ones

"After her medicated bath she most definitely felt relieved," Obregon wrote. "No telling how long she suffered without treatment before being abandoned."

Abandoned dog saved in Fort Worth, Texas
The Abandoned Ones

In just a few days together, Obregon has discovered just how much Jila enjoys belly rubs. 

Abandoned dog saved in Fort Worth, Texas
The Abandoned Ones

Once fully recovered from all she's been through, Jila will be looking for a family. 

The Abandoned Ones

But no one wants to rush her, especially since no one knows how long she suffered before Obregon found her. 

Abandoned dog saved in Fort Worth, Texas
The Abandoned Ones

"She's just precious," Obregon added.

To help Obregon save more dogs like Jila, you can make a donation or send much-needed supplies. If you're local, you can also inquire about adopting Jila once she's ready