Following the crisis of Hurricane Helene, a remarkable story took place on ETSU campus. Reagan Baker, a current student, came across a frightened dog near the campus library. Unsure of what to do and without any supplies, she turned to the ETSU Snapchat story to try and get a leash.
Kaylie Bishop, a fellow student and guide dog trainer, immediately contacted Reagan to offer assistance.
“I saw how scared the dog looked and knew I had to help,” Kaylie shared. “I always carry a leash and treats for training, and this was the perfect moment to use them.”
After meeting by the library, the two were able to catch her. Although frightened, she trusted them. Kaylie recognized the dog was emaciated and immediately organized food and water to feed her.
Determined to help, Reagan and Kaylie contacted every animal shelter and hospital in the area, but with no luck; they were all either closed or unable to take her in. Unwilling to leave her in the cold, Reagan took her in for the night until Washington County Animal Shelter opened the following morning. Before parting ways, the two decided the dog needed a name. They settled on “Helen,” named after the hurricane that had brought her to them.
The following morning, at the shelter, it was discovered that 15-year-old Helen was microchipped and was from Newland, North Carolina, over 30 miles away. The number attached to the chip was no longer in service and all hope was lost. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the family successfully contacted the shelter after seeing a post on their Facebook page, and Helen was able to return to her family again.
Without the kindness and quick thinking of Kaylie and Reagan, Helen may have never made it back home, showing that even in the darkest times, there is still hope.
