Tuttle’s life began chained in a lonely yard, but he never stopped searching for freedom. One daring escape changed everything—and set him on a journey that would test his courage, his heart, and the kindness of strangers.

Tuttle’s early days were spent chained in a yard, left to fend for himself. Unwilling to accept such a life, he somehow broke free and began wandering the streets of our town. He visited one house after another, charming everyone he met. 

One Wednesday, he even wandered into a church, where the warmhearted congregation welcomed him with open arms. But each time, Tuttle was caught and returned to his chain.

Late one Friday afternoon, Tuttle broke free once more, darting across a busy street in a desperate bid for freedom. Tragically, he didn’t see the oncoming vehicle, which had no time to stop. A compassionate woman from the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department quickly intervened, contacting Sharon Stone, the operations manager of our Hope Animal Sanctuary.

Sharon rushed to Tuttle’s side, but with the sanctuary’s veterinarian out of town for the weekend, she called Lynn Mann, the veterinary clinic’s office manager. Lynn met Sharon at the clinic, where they gently placed Tuttle on a blanket in a stainless steel cage, administering antibiotics and pain medication. Over the weekend, Lynn tended to him with care, ensuring his comfort.

On Monday, Dr. Hill examined Tuttle and confirmed the worst: an old femur break meant his leg would need to be amputated. Two days later, a distraught woman called Sharon, asking about the little dog she knew as Tuttle. She had been watching him during his travels and had planned to visit his negligent guardians that very Friday to advocate for his release. Devastated to learn that he’d been hit by a car, she was relieved to discover Sharon had rescued him. In her heart, Tuttle was already her dog, and she and her family were determined to give him a loving home.

This was the best news the sanctuary had heard in a long time. Arrangements were made for Tuttle to stay at the sanctuary for a few days to recover from his surgery. Over the weekend, his new mom, Angela, visited him. The joy was mutual, and Tuttle’s tail wagged furiously as Angela showered him with affection. While there, Angela met another dog, Karlie, and felt an instant connection. She sent Karlie’s picture to her husband, who agreed that Karlie belonged with their family, too.

Tuttle and Karlie were introduced at the sanctuary, and it was love at first sight. They played together joyfully, a perfect match. On Friday, July 25, 2025, Tuttle went home with Angela and her family, the family he was always meant to have. Karlie joined them five days later, completing their new, loving home.

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