Abandoned Dog: Krystal Capone and Zachary Hughes were on vacation in Bryson City, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene was set to strike in just a few days. During their stay, they came across a heart wrenching scene. A dog sat alone by the side of the road. He patiently waited as if he knew someone would come to rescue him. At first, the couple assumed he belonged to someone nearby and went on their way.
However, the next day they saw the same dog—this time miles away, down a steep mountain road. Realizing something was wrong, they couldn’t leave him behind. Thinking he had wandered away from home, they brought him back to the spot where they’d first seen him. But after asking around, it became clear that no one claimed him. Unsure of what to do, they took him back to their Airbnb.
“He just seemed exhausted,” Capone told The Dodo. “I loved him instantly.”
A Heartbreaking Story of Abandonment
Determined to reunite the dog with his family, Capone and Hughes posted his picture on local lost dog pages. That’s when they received the devastating news: the dog had been abandoned by his previous family. Why? Because he had chewed something in their home. Shocked and heartbroken, the couple couldn’t believe anyone would abandon such a sweet dog.
Related: State Trooper Braves Rising Flood Waters to Rescue Abandoned Dog During Hurricane Milton
With no one coming forward to claim him, the couple made a life-changing decision—they would keep him and named him Bryson, after the city they found him in.
“He was definitely nervous at first, but he’s just such a good dog,” Capone said. “He was just so happy to be with us.”
A Proposal in the Midst of Rescue Plans
While the couple was focused on Bryson’s rescue, Hughes had something else on his mind—he was planning to propose to Capone the next day. As they canceled their vacation plans to take care of Bryson, Hughes worried how this would affect his proposal. However, he quickly adapted.
Instead of the original plan, Hughes proposed during a beautiful waterfall hike with Bryson by their side.
“We went on this waterfall [hike], and that’s where Zach proposed,” Capone shared. “Bryson is in all of our engagement pictures.”
Rescuing Bryson Just in Time
With their engagement and a new dog, the couple decided to cancel their flight and drive Bryson back home with them. Only a few days after leaving North Carolina, Hurricane Helene hit, and the area where they found Bryson was affected.
Capone couldn’t help but wonder, “What would he have done if he was just stranded?”
A New Beginning for Bryson
After safely arriving home, Capone and Hughes introduced Bryson to the rest of their family, which includes three kids, a French bulldog, and a mini goldendoodle. The kids were in for a surprise, having no idea their parents would be returning with a new dog.
“[The kids] all ran to him, and I was like, ‘This is Bryson. He’s ours,’” Capone said. “And they were like, ‘What?’”
Bryson quickly settled in and became a beloved part of the family. He not only found a forever home but was also part of a joyful milestone in Capone and Hughes’ lives.
The Importance of Adopting, Not Shopping
Reflecting on her experience with Bryson, Capone encouraged others to consider adoption over purchasing dogs. “I encourage people to think of other options rather than purchasing dogs,” she said.
For Bryson, it was a story of hope and second chances, and he was rescued just in time. Now, he’s enjoying his new life filled with love, adventure, and a family who adores him.
Related: Bald Dog Rescued From Empty Field Transforms After Love and Care
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