When she saw Morty’s photo online, she felt a jolt in her chest. He wasn’t just another dog needing a home—he was in immediate danger.

Weak, underweight, and sick, Morty had ingested two pacifiers weeks earlier. His previous owners couldn’t afford the surgery he needed, and time was quickly running out.

She didn’t hesitate.

That very night, Morty arrived at her apartment—skin and bones, just 34 pounds, and barely able to walk. She was moving to live with her fiancé in a week, but none of that mattered. What mattered was getting him through the night.

Luckily, she worked at a vet clinic. As soon as her shift ended, she told her boss about Morty. Without skipping a beat, her boss loaded her up with medications and fluids to stabilize him and promised, “We’ll do surgery in the morning.”

And they did.

She stood by Morty’s side in the surgical room, assisting every step of the way. The situation was worse than they imagined—a section of Morty’s intestines had gone necrotic and had to be removed. At one point, as his oxygen levels dropped and he slipped into shock, she quietly asked the vet, “If you think he won’t make it… just tell me.”

But the vet wouldn’t give up.

Neither would Morty.

Against all odds, he survived the surgery. She was right there when he woke up, whispering comfort and making sure he knew he wasn’t alone.

Just 18 hours later, something incredible happened. Morty ate his first small meal—and kept it down. He was still in pain, still fragile, but he looked up with soft eyes and a slow tail wag. That moment said everything.

He wanted to live.

Two months later, Morty is up nearly 16 pounds, full of energy, and glued to her side. He’s earned a new nickname—the King of Slobber—and a permanent spot in her heart. Everywhere she goes, he’s her shadow, never far behind.

The team at the clinic never stopped helping. They checked on him every hour, stepped in when she was swamped at work, and cheered every milestone. Their support gave Morty the second chance he deserved.

For a dog who should have died—not once, but three times—Morty has shown what happens when love meets determination.

He’s living proof that rescue changes everything.

And if you’re ever wondering whether you should rescue the one in need… think of Morty.