On an ordinary drive to work, everything changed. Two tiny figures were spotted right in the middle of the road, completely soaked and dangerously unaware of the cars passing by. They were just puppies, playing like carefree littermates—no idea they were moments away from disaster.

Most drivers had already passed by. But this time, someone stopped.

The puppies had no collars, protection, or understanding of traffic. It was cold; they were shivering and soaked to the bone. Their coats were matted with dirt, thistles, and something even worse—ticks.

On closer inspection, it was clear these weren’t just a few pests. Dozens of them were hiding in their fur: between their toes, around their ears, bellies, tails—everywhere.

The little boy, later named Link, was skinny and wobbly, falling over every time he tried to jump up and say hello. His back legs were weak, but his spirit wasn’t.

His sister, Zelda, stayed close by, always looking after him. Both were sweet, trusting and clearly in need of help.

They were scooped into the car and taken straight home for tick baths and warm food without a second thought. Work could wait—saving lives came first.

Over the next five days, more than 50 ticks were carefully removed with tweezers. It was a slow and painstaking process, but it had to be done.

They looked like jellybeans with legs, crawling out of every hidden spot on their tiny bodies. It was unsettling, but giving up was never an option.

Link was taken to the vet and diagnosed with tick fever, a potentially fatal illness. Thankfully, he was started on Doxycycline right away. It would take time and care, but his life had been saved—just in time.

With clean coats, full bellies, and warm beds, the two pups began to heal. They were named after two strong and loyal heroes—Zelda and Link—and they lived up to every bit of those names.

At around four months old, they still had their puppy teeth falling out and were already learning how to live in a home.

They quickly bonded with the other three resident dogs—Kilo, Gram, and Petra, who weren’t much older than them and loved initiating playful “fights.” The pack was growing, and Link and Zelda fit right in.

They’ve since been groomed, vaccinated, treated, and, most importantly—loved. Their spay and neuter surgeries are coming next, and local country programs have stepped in to help with affordable care, proving how the community can make all the difference.

From a freezing roadside to a warm home filled with friendship, Zelda and Link’s story is one of second chances, simple kindness, and the kind of love that changes lives.

And this time, they’re not playing in traffic—they’re playing in a backyard, exactly where they belong.