WINDSOR – She’s small, gentle, and shy — and right now, she’s very lucky to be alive.

A young female beagle, now affectionately called Lola, is fighting to recover after being struck by a car on a rural road in Bertie County earlier this month. Her story has touched hearts across the community, but her future still hangs in the balance.

Lola was found lying by the roadside, injured and alone, when a passing motorist stopped to help. The Good Samaritan — a woman described by volunteers as “absolutely wonderful” — carefully transported the frightened dog to a nearby veterinarian. There, X-rays confirmed what rescuers feared: Lola’s leg was broken.

The woman paid for emergency care and had the leg splinted to stabilize the injury. But as much as she wanted to help, she couldn’t keep Lola herself. The beagle now faces an urgent need for a foster home — somewhere quiet and safe where she can heal over the next few weeks.

Lola is incredibly sweet but very shy. Because of her splint, she can’t go to the county shelter. The cement floors and confined runs there could cause infection or further injury. Without a foster or rescue stepping up, her options are extremely limited.

At the shelter, dogs with significant medical needs often cannot be safely housed — not due to lack of compassion, but because the facility simply isn’t equipped for extended medical care. That’s why the Humane Society is pleading with area residents and rescue organizations to help.

This little dog needs a quiet home where she can rest, get her medicine, and recover — the shelter will provide the food, the supplies, and cover all medical expenses.

“What we need is a person willing to open their heart and home,” the shelter posted.

A Call for Compassion

Lola’s story has spread quickly on social media under the hashtag #SaveBertieLola, where animal lovers have shared her photos and updates. Many commenters have praised the Good Samaritan who rescued her, calling her “an angel on earth.”

But despite the online attention, no owner has come forward to claim Lola — and so far, no rescue group has confirmed they can take her.

The Humane Society stresses that even a temporary foster arrangement could mean the difference between life and death. “Fostering truly saves lives,” the group wrote in an appeal. “It’s a chance to help a dog recover and to see whether you might want to adopt later.”

Approved rescues that pull animals from Bertie County’s shelter are not charged any fees, and fosters receive full support from the Humane Society, including food, medication, and veterinary care.

If Lola’s leg heals well, she will eventually be available for adoption through the Bertie County Humane Society. Adoptions require an approved application, veterinary and personal references, and in some cases, a home visit. The adoption fee is $125, which includes sterilization and vaccinations.

“We never adopt dogs to live outside,” a spokesperson emphasized. “They deserve to be family members — inside, loved, and cared for.”

How to Help

Anyone willing to foster, adopt, or help connect Lola with a licensed rescue is urged to contact the Bertie County Humane Society immediately.

• Phone: 252-325-3647 (leave a message if no one answers)
• Facebook: Send a private message to the Bertie County Humane Society page for a faster reply
• Email: BertieCountyHumaneSociety@yahoo.com

Volunteers say patience is appreciated — the group is run entirely by a handful of unpaid helpers who juggle daily jobs and animal care.

Still, their message is simple: one home could save one life.

“Lola’s already shown how much heart she has,” one volunteer said. “Now she just needs someone to show her that people can be just as kind.”