Evie Benson was driving with her family when suddenly they saw an animal on the road. It was a brown dog that was thrashing along the road, and at just a moment it almost got hit by the wheels of a huge truck.

“We closed our eyes, scared that we were gonna see this dog get hit by a car,” Evie Benson told The Dodo. “Luckily, the dog moved out of the way just in time.”

The girl immediately ran out of the car and helped the dog out of the way. It was dirty, shabby, and skinny – but despite its condition, it wagged its tail at the sight of her. The family put the dog in the backseat, and they contacted a nearby shelter to take care of him.

“I was heartbroken just thinking about what this dog has been through and how scared and alone he felt,” Benson said. “The car ride was a breeze. Eventually, he fell asleep in my hands and that’s when I started crying. I wanted him to know he was finally safe.”

The dog was brought to the Goochland County Animal Shelter where he was happily welcomed. The staff found that the previous owners probably had wanted to get rid of the dog, so they left him on the street. Evie couldn’t bear to part with her new friend – she knew she couldn’t take him with her because of her studies, but she wanted him to find the best possible family.

“We sat with him in the room and that’s when the emotions hit,” Benson said. “My mom and I both started crying … I joined him on the floor and he curled up in my lap and was content … he even laid on top of me and cuddled me.”

She hugged the dog, and he wagged his tail and snuggled up to her. She also gave him the nickname Wags. Now the shelter workers are taking care of him and are looking for a new family for him. We hope he finds a new home!