Meet MJ! This sweet girl suddenly found herself without a home or family. When her owner walked away, MJ was left behind along with two children. As the family scrambled to care for the kids before their home was foreclosed on, they simply had nowhere for MJ to go.

Thankfully, a compassionate animal lover we've partnered with on several rescues learned about MJ's situation and stepped in to help. She volunteered to pick MJ up in Roanoke and transport her to her new foster home.

MJ is now living with her foster mom, Kim, and former WDR alum, Penny, where she's receiving all the love, care, and TLC she deserves.

Like many neglected dogs, MJ is carrying about 20 extra pounds. She had been overfed, under-exercised, and simply existed in the background. But that's all changing now. Since arriving in rescue, MJ has started her wellness journey with Kim. She's enjoying regular walks, a healthier diet, and lots of encouragement as she works toward a healthier weight.

We checked in with Kim for an update:

"This dog is such a special girl. She's incredibly sweet, has a big, happy personality, and loves everyone she meets. She makes friends wherever she goes.

MJ is one of the most affectionate dogs I've ever met. Sometimes I swear she's half human! She's very smart, too, and we've already discovered she knows several commands. She has wonderful house manners, and I haven't felt the need to crate her. She and my dog, Penny, became fast friends and are often found snuggled up together.

She's very gentle and takes treats politely. She is also incredibly expressive and always finds a way to let you know exactly what she's thinking, usually that she'd like to be a little closer to her people! At night, she sleeps right beside you in bed as if she's always belonged there. If you're looking for a dog that wants to be your constant companion, MJ is your girl. If you don't want a dog in your bed...well, she's probably not the dog for you!

We've already worked up to a half-mile walk one evening and three-quarters of a mile the next morning, and she did great. She is strong on leash and likes to pull, so we're working on that, and she's making progress every day."

Every day, MJ is becoming happier, healthier, and more active. She is embracing the love, attention, and life she's always deserved. We can't wait to see this wonderful girl continue to blossom in her forever home.

BREED ESTIMATE: Lab Mix
GENDER: Female
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 77 lbs (should be 55-60lbs)
APPROXIMATE AGE: ~ 6 to 7 years old
COAT TYPE: Short
ADOPTION FEE: $425
OTHER INFO: UTD on shots/spayed/microchipped
LOCATION: Leesburg VA



FOR MORE INFO OR TO ADOPT: Please go to https://adopt.worthydog.org and complete the application.

You can also help save dogs like this one by becoming a foster, providing a rescue dog with a temporary home and giving them the love and care they need until they are permanently adopted. Every person who fosters is directly responsible for saving the life of a dog, because we can only save as many dogs as we have foster families available to welcome them into their homes. If you think you might be interested in becoming a foster and want to learn more, please go to https://foster.worthydog.org and fill out an application.

Worthy Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue that primarily adopts to families in the DC Metro area.