WINDSOR — The story of Lola, the small, shy beagle who captured hearts across Bertie County earlier this month, has come to a heartbreaking end.
Sunday, October 19, the Bertie County Humane Society shared the devastating update: Lola has passed away.
“Heartbreaking news… Lola passed away,” the group wrote in an emotional post. “We appreciate the lady that found her, taking her to the vet and trying to save her.”
Lola’s story began just days earlier, when a Good Samaritan spotted her lying injured by the side of a rural road. The woman stopped immediately, carefully scooping up the trembling dog and rushing her to a local veterinarian. X-rays confirmed that Lola had suffered a broken leg, but the woman—described by rescuers as “absolutely wonderful”—covered the cost of emergency treatment and had the leg splinted.
The community rallied behind Lola, sharing her photo and story under the hashtag #SaveBertieLola. Dozens of people offered prayers, donations, and messages of hope as the Humane Society searched desperately for a foster home where she could heal. Because of her splint and fragile condition, she couldn’t stay at the county shelter.
Despite the urgent appeals, no owner came forward and no foster placement was confirmed in time. Later, volunteers received the news no one wanted to hear. Lola’s body simply could not recover from the trauma.
Her death has shaken animal lovers and volunteers alike. For them, Lola’s story is more than a single tragedy—it’s a painful example of what happens when dogs are left to roam.
“This happens all the time when people let their dogs roam or turn them loose,” the Humane Society wrote. “People say, ‘Usually they come back’ or ‘Sometimes they don’t.’ But please—contain your animals to keep them safe. They belong living inside homes, not left outside unsupervised.”
The group’s message was firm but compassionate. They said too many preventable deaths occur each year when dogs are hit by cars, attacked by other animals, or lost in the elements. Lola’s story, they said, should serve as a wake-up call.
“R.I.P. sweet Lola,” one post read. “Your life mattered.”
Volunteers at the Bertie County Humane Society are using the moment to remind residents that fostering and adopting save lives—literally. They continue to plead for community members to step forward, even if only temporarily, to help other dogs in need of safe homes and medical care.
The shelter, located at 217 County Farm Road in Windsor, operates entirely through volunteers. They provide medical treatment, food, and supplies for all foster dogs. Rescues and fosters can reach out by private message on Facebook, by calling 252-325-3647, or by emailing BertieCountyHumaneSociety@yahoo.com.
As the community mourns, tributes to Lola continue to pour in online—photos of her soft brown eyes and gentle face now serve as both a symbol of compassion and a call to action.
“She may be gone,” one post read, “but her story will keep reminding people that every life—no matter how small or shy—deserves love, safety, and a home.”