While spending time in Cape Verde, Petra came across several heart-wrenching stories of neglected and chained-up dogs. But one particular tale shook her to the core. During a mountain hike, she stumbled upon Destino, a dog chained dangerously close to the mountain’s edge, in a truly precarious situation.

Destino was not just alarmingly skinny, but he also bore painful wounds, with bloodied ears and visible insect bites that had taken a severe toll, leaving his injuries deeply troubling and possibly even close to necrosis.

Near the suffering dog, Petra spotted a pitiful food bowl devoid of water, suggesting Destino was barely surviving on the bare minimum. Determined to rescue him, she approached Destino’s owner with a heartfelt plea to adopt him, as she had grown deeply fond of him. Initially met with a firm “no,” Petra’s tears eventually touched the owner’s heart, and he gave in, granting her permission to take Destino.

A few days later, Petra, along with her partner Marlon, embarked on the journey to bring Destino to their home in Sal.

Despite the trauma and mistreatment he had endured, Destino’s loving nature shone through. Every morning, he would greet Petra with an enthusiastic tail wag. As he slowly healed, his true personality emerged—a calm and affectionate dog, wonderful with people. “He’s genuinely happy now,” Petra affirms.

What Destino needs most at this point is a loving family that will provide him with the care and security he deserves. Petra has shared his story on her TikTok channel, hoping to find either a foster home in Europe or a forever home where Destino can finally live the life he has always yearned for after enduring so much hardship.