The Dog Rescue Story of Miss Honey and Matilda
This dog rescue story starts when a husky named Miss Honey and her tiny puppy arrived as strays at the Kentucky Humane Society, it was immediately clear to staff just how deep their bond was. Miss Honey had poured every ounce of her strength into caring for her pup, nursing her tirelessly even as her own health declined.
Kentucky Humane Society
When they placed Miss Honey on the scale, she weighed just 33 pounds—half of what she should have.
"Miss Honey’s maternal instincts led her to prioritize her 2-month-old baby, Matilda," said Jennifer Harris, public relations coordinator for the Kentucky Humane Society. "As a nursing mother, she gave everything she had to her pup, leaving herself exhausted, malnourished, and in desperate need of care."
Kentucky Humane Society
Two Pups with an Unbreakable Bond
While Miss Honey had done her best to care for Matilda on the streets, the puppy was battling a serious injury to her hind leg, leaving her unable to bear weight or feel any sensation.
The strength of their bond became even more evident when shelter staff began treating Matilda’s wounds.
"While our veterinary team was cleaning and wrapping Matilda’s leg, we heard Miss Honey’s heart-wrenching cries from down the hall," Harris said. "We realized they had probably never been apart. As soon as Matilda’s leg was bandaged and protected, we rushed her back to her mom’s side."
Kentucky Humane Society
From that moment, staff knew Miss Honey and Matilda were a package deal. They had to stay together, no matter what.
The Path to Recovery
The staff believed Miss Honey has been caring for Matilda since birth. Thanks to a loving foster home, the pair is finally getting the chance to heal both physically and emotionally.
"Now that they understand we're here to help, they’re slowly learning to trust," Harris said. "They can tolerate short times apart, but most often, you’ll find them snuggled up together. Matilda loves napping under her mama’s chin, and Miss Honey looks for cuddles when she needs comfort. Their connection is truly heartwarming."
After a week of rest and treatment, it became clear that Matilda’s injured leg couldn’t be saved. Before surgery, Miss Honey made sure her baby was in good hands and after the operation, she was right there to comfort her pup as she woke up.
Kentucky Humane Society
Today, both are making steady progress in foster care. Miss Honey is gaining much-needed weight, while Matilda is learning to navigate life on three legs. And most importantly, both are learning that humans can be trusted.
Kentucky Humane Society
"Matilda is a bit more confident than Miss Honey when it comes to people," Harris shared. "Miss Honey is coming around. She now craves human snuggles almost as much as she craves cuddles from her baby. It's incredible to see her finding comfort and safety again."
