The brightest morning comes after the darkest night. Or at least that is what they say. Connie the dog had suffered through eight days of never-ending night when she was stuck in a shipping container, hoping to be rescued. Fortunately for that sweet pup, she was discovered by kindhearted U.S. Coast Guards who wasted no time when they heard her desperate pleas. Turns out, Connie was also hiding a sweet surprise.

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U.S.Coast Guards were making a routine inspection when they heard barking and scratching from inside one of the containers

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Image credits: Forever Changed Animal Rescue

At the beginning of February, members of the U.S. Coast Guard were conducting routine inspections at a port in Texas. There was nothing that could surprise them – or so they thought. When they approached one of the containers, they heard barking and scratching. Wasting no time, they quickly ordered workers to remove the shipping container from the high stack so they could open it and free whoever was so desperately asking for help.

“When they lowered the container and opened the door, a dog popped out!” U.S. Coast Guard Heartland shared on their Facebook page.

Seeing a cute dog is always a pleasure but not under such dangerous circumstances. It was unclear how this beautiful girl ended up in the container, but they knew she had to have been there for at least a week. Poor pup – with no food or water, in complete darkness and surrounded by scary sounds of the cargo port.

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Image credits: U.S. Coast Guard Heartland

Connie spent over 8 days with no food or water in complete darkness

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Image credits: U.S. Coast Guard Heartland

As soon as they opened it, a beautiful brown dog jumped out, thankful that someone had heard her desperate pleas

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Image credits: U.S. Coast Guard Heartland

“She was tired, hungry and very happy to see her rescuers,” one of the Coast Guards said.

Despite the terrifying ordeal, the dog was just happy to be out of the dark and into the arms of kindhearted people. She called for help, and they answered it! Of course she had to reward them with kisses.

After being freed, the gorgeous brown pup received a new name – Connie the Container Dog. Connie happily chomped on the food and water she was offered, soothing her gurgling belly. Satiated and safe, now it was time for her to leave the port where she would begin her journey looking for a new home.

“We are so proud of our team of marine inspectors who were in the right place at the right time, then trusted their instincts and saved a dog’s life!” U.S. Coast Guard Heartland proudly wrote.

“We can’t thank all of the amazing people involved in this rescue enough for saving Connie’s life.”

“She was tired, hungry, and very happy to see her rescuers,” one of the Coast Guards said

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Image credits: U.S. Coast Guard Heartland

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Image credits: Forever Changed Animal Rescue

After getting a hearty meal, Connie was taken to a local shelter. From there, she went to Forever Changed Animal Rescue

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Image credits: Forever Changed Animal Rescue

Thanks to the Coast Guards’ efforts, Connie was given a second chance at life. She was taken in by Forever Changed Animal Rescue in Washington D.C. To get her there, volunteers from Pilots N Paws offered to fly Connie on a private plane. From a shipping container to a first-class ticket – what a turnaround for Connie.

At the shelter, the experienced traveler got a full health checkup. Due to her ordeal, she was exhausted and malnourished and, sadly, tested positive for heartworm – a condition that would require treatment. But there was a more pleasant surprise hiding inside Connie – she is pregnant! When she was stuck in the dark, she had to stay strong not just for herself but also for her pups.

“She’s doing quite well!” shared Connie’s veterinarian. “As you can imagine, she’s spent a lot of time lounging and decompressing since she arrived on Tuesday night. She’s loving the regular meals and constant access to plenty of water!”

The mama dog is expected to make a full recovery despite her trials in the shipping container. However, her experience made her pregnancy a high-risk one so she would have to be under constant observation at the vet.

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Image credits: Forever Changed Animal Rescue

Volunteer pilots offered to fly Connie on a private plane to Washington D.C. – quite an upgrade from a shipping container

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Image credits: Forever Changed Animal Rescue

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Image credits: Forever Changed Animal Rescue

Whatever life will throw at her, Connie will never have to face it alone again. With a bunch of devoted volunteers at the shelter and thousands of well-wishers online, Connie has the best possible chances.

“We’re working on putting some weight on her as she’s extremely underweight, especially given that she’s pregnant,” Andrea the vet said. “She is currently with me, and the plan is to have her stay here for the duration of her pregnancy.”

Hopefully, soon there will be an update on Connie’s adorable pups. Meanwhile, Andrea encourages everyone who has been touched by Connie’s story to consider opening their home to other dogs in need. They all have unique stories and despite the heartbreak they’ve encountered, those pups never lose hope. Perhaps, you could show them what it means to be a beloved family dog?

Connie got a full check up. Her ordeal left her exhausted and she was diagnosed with heartworm

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Image credits: Forever Changed Animal Rescue

On a happier note, Connie is also pregnant! So this mama dog stayed strong for her pups

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Image credits: Forever Changed Animal Rescue

Connie’s getting her happy ending. But hundreds of other dogs are still waiting for theirs

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Image credits: Forever Changed Animal Rescue

If puppy cuddles or wagging tails are not enough to convince you, there are a lot of surprising benefits in owning a dog.

• Dog owners live longer as they have lower blood pressure and reduced stress which is a major cause of cardiovascular problems;
• Four-legged pals keep their owners active and help them achieve their fitness goals quicker;
• They can help in the time of crises and improve coping skills;
• Dogs help you relax and look at the bright side of life;
• Dogs bring people together – over 40% of dog owners have an easier time making friends;
• Looking for a date? Dogs can make you more attractive and more likeable.

Bonus facts: they are fluffy, soft and will love you more than anything in the world. All you have to do is pay a small shelter fee. Not a bad deal for a lifelong wholesome friendship.

Everyone in the comments were ecstatic that Connie was rescued

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