A small, white dog who was at risk of being euthanized just weeks ago is now living a very different life after her adoption story captured hearts online.
Marlie, a 1‑year‑old dog believed to be a West Highland white terrier, was pulled from a South Carolina shelter by Lucky Dog Animal Rescue and transported north to Virginia, where she was adopted by Cam and her husband, Alan, from the DMV area.
Videos of Marlie settling into her new home have since gained attention on Instagram, with one video of the pup with her new family gaining more than 74,000 views. One clip, shared on an account created for Marlie shortly after her adoption, shows the dog cuddling into Cam’s arms as on‑screen text reads: “What do you mean she was at risk at a kill shelter two weeks ago.”
According to Cam, she and her husband had wanted a dog for years and were regularly checking Lucky Dog Animal Rescue’s website when Marlie appeared. “My husband moved here from Scotland, so, when we saw a Westie show up at the shelter, we knew we needed to have her,” she told Newsweek.
At the time, the couple knew little about Marlie’s background. Cam said the dog had severe skin conditions, appeared neglected and had been shaved across her body, with hair left only on her head.
Lucky Dog transported Marlie from South Carolina to Alexandria, Virginia, where the couple completed what is known as an “off‑transit adoption,” meaning the dog did not stay with foster parents beforehand.
“They don’t know about her personality or quirks,” Cam said. “We truly got so lucky.”
Now settled into her new home, Marlie has quickly bonded with her owners. Cam described her as a “Velcro dog,” who is affectionate, friendly and eager to be close to people.
“You would never know that she came from a life of neglect with how trusting and loving she is,” Cam said.
She added that Marlie is smaller than a typical Westie, weighing just 11.5 pounds, which she says has made her an ideal companion for future travels and outdoor adventures.
Cam created an Instagram account for Marlie simply to share photos and videos with friends and family, but the response quickly grew beyond that.
“It just so happened that entire communities of dog lovers, Westie owners and rescue families flooded our videos with likes, comments and shares,” Cam said, adding that the account gained traction within weeks.
She said she plans to continue posting updates on Marlie’s progress as her coat grows back and her health continues to improve, while also spotlighting the work of Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, a volunteer‑powered nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina.
“We are so thankful to Lucky Dog for continuing the work they do and helping pets and people expand their families,” Cam said.
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