Some rescue stories break your heart in the first sentence, then heal it by the last.

LunaNuova’s story is one of those rare, emotional journeys that shows just how transformative love and patience can be for a dog who has known nothing but hardship.

In April 2024, Rachele Miceli, 31, found a dog that would change her life forever.

LunaNuova — a senior dog, likely between 8 and 10 years old — had been abandoned near a highway entrance in Italy.

The sight that greeted Miceli was harrowing: LunaNuova was skin and bones, barely able to stand, with twisted hind legs that made walking almost impossible.

Adding to the heartbreak, LunaNuova was pregnant.

Miceli believes LunaNuova was a hunting dog left behind because of her age.

“She was skin and bones, with twisted hind legs—she couldn’t keep them straight, whether standing or walking,” Miceli shared.

Her right leg was so damaged that she barely rested it on the tip of her paw. LunaNuova also had a large mass near her rear mammary glands.

At first, it was feared to be a tumor, but surgery revealed it was a hernia, with her uterus half collapsed inside.

Tragically, the two puppies she was carrying did not survive, but LunaNuova herself lived — by what Miceli describes as a miracle.

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LunaNuova was severely anemic when rescued, and her teeth were in poor condition, likely from trying to survive on whatever scraps she could find.

Yet despite the vet’s warning that she might not survive surgery, Miceli knew she wanted to keep her — to give her the life she deserved in her golden years.

She brought LunaNuova home to join her growing pack of rescue dogs, including Pippo, Buddy, Cara, Alesa, and Mariocane.

Miceli documented LunaNuova’s rescue on TikTok (@rachele.elisabetta), sharing photos that showed just how emaciated and fragile she had been.

The post went viral, accumulating over 86,100 views and 16,000 likes.

Social media users were captivated by LunaNuova’s journey, leaving messages like: “beautiful dog, and you deserve the best” and “thank you for loving her as much as she loves you.”

Adjusting to her new family wasn’t immediate.

LunaNuova’s interactions with the younger Mariocane were initially tense — the playful two-year-old, already 50 kg, was jealous.

But over time, a beautiful bond formed, and Mariocane has since become LunaNuova’s number one protector.

They sleep together almost every night, a testament to the trust and love she’s finally found.

Today, LunaNuova is a different dog. She still shows fear around strangers, particularly men, but her overall health and happiness have dramatically improved.

She enjoys long walks, outings to lunch with Miceli and friends, and the simple joy of being part of a loving family.

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LunaNuova’s story is a powerful reminder of what compassion and dedication can achieve.

From abandoned, pregnant, and frail, she now thrives — secure, cherished, and surrounded by love.

Her journey inspires hope, showing that even the most broken hearts — canine or human — can heal when someone chooses to care.

For LunaNuova, life is no longer a struggle for survival; it’s a celebration of every day she spends with people and pups who adore her.

And for those watching her story unfold online, it’s impossible not to feel joy, gratitude, and awe at the transformation of this once-abandoned dog into a happy, loved member of her forever family.