In a world where animal neglect and suffering remain far too common, stories of hope shine a little brighter. One such story centers around a tiny boxer puppy once covered in thousands of ticks and clinging to life—now thriving in a forever home, thanks to a group of devoted animal rescuers and one very special woman known as The Pug Queen.

Izabella St. James, the passionate founder of the non-profit rescue organization The Pug Queen, is well-known for her tireless work rescuing pugs and advocating for their welfare. But her compassion doesn’t stop with one breed. When she came across a heartbreaking post about a severely neglected boxer puppy in Fresno, California, she didn’t hesitate to take action.

A Shocking Discovery

The puppy was first found collapsed in a driveway by a Good Samaritan named Isaac, who noticed her frail condition and the shocking number of ticks covering her small body. Realizing the urgency, he protected the pup while calling for help.

Moved by the photos and desperate state of the dog, Izabella immediately offered assistance. “She stole my heart immediately,” she shared. “I have never seen a dog with this many ticks. I offered to pay for her vet visit if someone could get her treated with Bravecto, and also get her examined and tested right away.”

Emergency Intervention

Amy from The House of Muddy Paws, a local Fresno rescue, answered the call. She rushed the puppy to the vet, then began the painstaking process of removing ticks one by one. However, the process had to be paused when the pup began losing too much blood due to severe anemia. The rescue later shared, “She has anemia so we have to be careful. The ticks will continue to die and fall off throughout the night.”

Izabella covered the $438 veterinary bill and quickly made arrangements to transfer the puppy to Los Angeles. There, a trusted foster dad named Wayne—known for caring for rescued pugs—was ready to take her in and provide a calm, loving space for her recovery.

A Second Chance and a New Name

The puppy, temporarily named Precious Betty, began receiving the medical care, love, and safety she had never known. Izabella remained closely involved in her recovery, planning for advanced testing to ensure the pup wasn’t carrying any contagious illnesses before moving to a long-term foster home.

But Precious Betty wouldn’t need to wait long for her forever family.

Katie, a long-time supporter of The Pug Queen and former adopter of another dog named Betty Spaghetti, fell instantly in love. From the very first day Betty arrived in her foster home, it was clear she wouldn’t be going anywhere else.

“Talk about foster failing!” Izabella joked lovingly.

Katie and her family decided to give the puppy a fresh start with a new name—Bean. The name symbolized a new chapter filled with warmth, security, and belonging.

Love, Support, and a Happy Ending

Izabella celebrated Bean’s adoption with heartfelt joy: “This little neglected, starved Boxer girl has been ADOPTED by one of our wonderful TPQ families. Her name is BEAN. And she is a very lucky Bean indeed!”

Katie, who is also the founder and CEO of the inclusive fashion brand Unique-Vintage.com, has been a generous supporter of The Pug Queen for years, previously donating pug-themed merchandise for raffles and advocating for body positivity and inclusivity. “She stands for women of all sizes, and I love when us pug ladies can support each other,” Izabella noted.

A Story of Rescue, Resilience, and Hope

Thanks to the kindness of Isaac, the care of Amy, the unwavering commitment of Izabella, and the open hearts of Katie and her family, Bean now knows what it means to be loved.

This story is more than a rescue—it’s a reminder of the power of compassion. One small dog, once abandoned and covered in parasites, now sleeps peacefully in a warm bed, surrounded by love and laughter.

If you believe in the power of second chances, share Bean’s story—and celebrate the rescuers who make them possible.