A Cozy Afternoon Turned Into a Puppy Rescue Mission
Some days don’t turn out the way you plan them — and this was one of those days. What started as a cozy, ordinary afternoon in Funchal with Joen and Lara quickly became an emotional adventure that I’ll never forget.
We had errands to run, coffee to drink, and the summer streets of Madeira to stroll through. It was one of those simple, happy days where life feels soft and easy. But by the end of it, Joen and I found ourselves in the middle of a puppy rescue mission — chasing a frightened little dog through traffic, rushing him to the vet, and doing everything we could to help him find safety.
It was a rollercoaster of emotions: joy, worry, fear, and ultimately, relief. And today I want to share that story with you.
A Cozy Afternoon in Funchal
The day started off like so many others here in Funchal — warm sun, buzzing streets, and the three of us heading out on the scooter. I love that little scooter. It makes it so easy to weave through the narrow roads of the city and, most importantly, it keeps parking stress-free.
Lara was bursting with excitement. She’s trained to walk without a leash, but in crowded areas with cars and tourists, I always clip it on. You never know what could happen, and I want her safe above all.
Our first stop was the local market. It’s such a charming place, especially on market days when farmers from all over Madeira come to sell their produce. The stalls are overflowing with colorful flowers, tropical fruits, and smiling locals. Lara, of course, was more interested in making new friends than in papayas or orchids.
After wandering for a bit, Joen and I sat down for a little treat. We couldn’t resist stopping at Uau Cacau, a local chocolatier I’ve mentioned before. Their handmade chocolates are honestly the best I’ve ever had. I allowed myself one piece with my coffee — a tiny indulgence, but it tasted heavenly after weeks without sugar. Lara got her own little drop of milk and was just as happy as we were.
Next, we popped into Flying Tiger. Fun fact: I actually designed their logo back when I studied design technology — so every time I step inside, it feels a little nostalgic. I was looking for a new notebook but, as always, got distracted by all the quirky and cute things. Eventually, I found what I needed, while Joen and Lara patiently kept me from buying half the store.
It all felt like a perfectly ordinary afternoon — errands, coffee, little moments of joy. I had a hairdresser appointment next, and we joked about how much like a romantic movie our day felt. Little did we know, the story was about to take a very unexpected turn.
An Unexpected Puppy Rescue Mission
On the ride home, the most unexpected thing happened. In the middle of a busy road, right between cars and scooters, we suddenly saw a small dog. He was darting back and forth, terrified, and almost run over more than once. My heart dropped instantly.
Without thinking twice, Joen and I chased after him on the scooter, weaving between cars and pedestrians. For ten long minutes, we tried to catch him, and finally, with a mix of luck and persistence, we managed to get him safe.
The first place we went was Lara’s vet. I wanted to make sure he wasn’t injured and check if he had a microchip. Sadly, he didn’t — meaning there was no quick way to trace his owner. The vet gave us a box to keep him safe and suggested we contact the firefighters, who often help in cases like this.
We started asking around in our neighborhood, knocking on doors and talking to people. At one point, a man even took us to a woman’s house, thinking he might be hers. But once again, no luck. After hours of searching, Joen and I decided to take him home. He was exhausted, stressed, and clearly needed rest.
The only problem? I’m allergic to most dogs, which makes keeping another one impossible long-term. But in that moment, none of that mattered. This sweet little soul needed safety, and I was ready to do whatever I could to give it to him.
We named him Rua, which means street in Portuguese — because that’s where we found him.
Handing Rua Over to the Firefighters
By evening, we had done everything we could — reached out on social media, contacted local organizations, and asked around the neighborhood. Still, no sign of Rua’s family.
I kept thinking about what the vet had said earlier: the firefighters could step in and help. They often coordinate lost pets and connect them with their owners. With a heavy heart, we agreed it was the best next step.
When the firefighters arrived, Rua was calm but clearly unsure of what was happening. My chest felt so tight as I placed him in their care. I told them, “If no one claims him, please bring him back to me.” They nodded and reassured me he would be okay, but I still felt uneasy.
That night, I couldn’t sleep. I kept picturing him — small, confused, wondering where his people were. My biggest fear was that he’d end up in a shelter, lonely and scared. I had already grown so attached to this little creature in just a few hours.
The next morning, I called the fire station immediately. To my shock, they told me Rua wasn’t there anymore. Panic set in — I thought I had made the wrong choice. I cried, afraid that I had lost him to a system where he’d be forgotten.
But after several phone calls, the truth came out: one of the firefighters hadn’t wanted him to go to a shelter either. Instead, he gave Rua to a trusted friend who wanted to adopt him and give him a loving home.
A Bittersweet Ending
Hearing that Rua was safe brought me such relief. The fire department assured us he was in good hands and that his new life would be full of love and care. Still, a part of me kept wondering if he had been abandoned or if there was a family out there missing him desperately.
We decided to keep searching, just in case. His name, Rua — meaning “street” in Portuguese — feels both sad and hopeful. Sad, because that’s where we found him, scared and almost lost to traffic. Hopeful, because from that street began a new chapter for him.
This experience reminded me how fragile life is, and how important compassion is — not just for humans, but for the animals that share our world. For every abandoned dog, there are people willing to step in, to love, and to give them a second chance.
Even though Rua isn’t with us, I’m grateful we crossed paths. For a short time, he became part of our little family, and he left pawprints on my heart.
Thank you for being here with me through this emotional journey. And as always, if you want to connect, I’m on Instagram @DearJamilaa.
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