Who Rescued Who
Heartwarming stories of rescue animals who became heroes.
Share Your "Who Rescued Who" Story
We believe every rescue animal has a story of how they rescued their family right back. Tell us about your special bond and inspire others to adopt!
Every rescue creates two heroes – the animal who found safety and the family who discovered love. Share how your rescue pet became your family's greatest gift. Your story could inspire someone to adopt their best friend and help us show the world that rescue animals don't just get rescued – they do the rescuing. Join our growing community of families sharing their heartwarming rescue stories.
Featured "Who Rescued Who" Stories
Read these heartwarming stories from Pittsburgh families whose rescue animals became their heroes.
Love Finds Us Anyway
Cathy & Helen
I didn't realize it at the time, but when I adopted Helen, a sweet golden retriever with kind eyes and a goofy soul, in October, something bigger was at work. She came into my life with her tail wagging and the usual golden enthusiasm. I thought I was doing a good thing, giving her a second chance. I thought I was the one doing the rescuing.
Then, just a few months later, in January, my husband of 28 years passed away. Suddenly and without warning. Grief hit like a tidal wave. The quiet in the house felt crushing. Everything was heavier—getting dressed, eating, even breathing some days. I didn't know how to keep going.
But Helen did.
Cathy & HelenThe Day I Learned What 'Mine' Means
Rio & Alicia: Rio's story.
I don't remember much about my earliest days—only that I was far away from the place I'd one day call home. I came from a shelter in Texas where time was short and hope was even shorter. Then a group of kind humans brought me all the way to Monroeville to live with a foster family who kept me safe until the right person came along. And then… she did.
On a Saturday morning, she walked in with her dad and a toy in her hands. A toy just for me. I'd never had one before—didn't even know what to do with it at first—but that day I learned what "mine" feels like. I think she knew in that moment I was hers, too.
Something to Come Home to
Hanna & Lumie
I'd just gotten clean, left a long relationship, moved back to pgh alone, lived alone. I had extreme undiagnosed mood disorders, I was still working with animals. Petsitting, boarding, play-all-day. Mentally and emotionally I wasn't really here anymore. My home was ok, but it was dark and sad. I needed another heartbeat.
I'd just gotten clean, left a long relationship, moved back to Pittsburgh alone, lived alone. I had extreme undiagnosed mood disorders, I was still working with animals. Petsitting, boarding, play-all-day. Mentally and emotionally I wasn't really here anymore. My home was ok, but it was dark and sad. I needed another heartbeat.
Growing Up Together
Kota the Dog & Lemon the Bird: their POV
I still remember the day I left Humane Animal Rescue's Northside shelter back in August 2020. I was a little scared, but then I met my boy—he was younger then, but he had the happiest laugh. We played in the yard, curled up in bed, and every day felt full of love.
Now my boy is 12, and we've grown up together. We still have our yard games, our snuggles, and our quiet moments where he tells me all his secrets…
My Heart Cat
Camille & Callie
Callie was the first cat I ever owned—and the one who changed me into a cat person. On my second day enrolled at the Vet Tech Institute of Pittsburgh, I was assigned to practice feline handling with her. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but she was endlessly patient. Before long, I found myself visiting her between classes, just to be near her.
Camille & Callie
