In January 2015, Bret Winingar and his son Zach were riding their motorbike through rural Arkansas when they noticed an animal crate hidden in some bushes. Upon closer inspection, they saw that the crate’s top had been chewed through, and something inside had been trying to escape.

Opening the crate, they found a malnourished black dog, covered in waste and smelling of death, with cuts and scrapes from being trapped inside. Although they had to leave to get food and transport, they hoped the dog would still be there when they returned—and she was.

Bret later wrote on his blog, “If you’ve got enough strength to growl, you’ve got enough strength to live.” They named the dog “Charlie Bravo,” after their motorcycles, and rushed her to the vet. Her nails were so long they curled into her paws, and she could barely walk due to pain. Doctors estimated she was about 8 months old.

Though Bret initially didn’t want another dog, Charlie’s recovery and sweet personality won their hearts, and they couldn’t part with her. Bret likened Charlie’s story to being trapped in self-imposed “crates” like dead-end jobs, abusive relationships, or addiction.

Charlie’s rescue story went viral, and the Winingar family received donations to cover her medical bills. They used the extra funds to support local animal shelters.