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Puppy was left for dead in baby stroller in Ohio. And then a miracle happened

Koa prior to being adopted
Koa prior to being adopted Video grab from Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center’s Facebook

A dog in Ohio is showcasing how the power of love and care can work miracles, proving there is no such thing as a lost cause.

Meet Koa, a now-much-adored little spark plug who enjoys zoomies and playing with other dogs.

But not too long ago, she was on the brink of death.

“Koa is proof that love, safety, and community can quite literally save a life,” the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center said in an Oct. 28 Facebook post. The shelter posted a video, showcasing Koa at his worst … then at his very best.

“When our team found Koa, abandoned in a baby stroller on the sidewalk, he was barely hanging on. He weighed just nine pounds, was severely malnourished, hypothermic, and so sick that we weren’t sure he’d make it through the night.”

What came next was nothing short of amazing, with the shelter working quickly to get the pup stabilized at an emergency vet, the shelter said.

And then it was time to foster.

“When we brought him home that day, he was so fragile and in such critical condition, all we could do was love him and pray for a miracle,” his foster shared with the shelter.

Ask and thou shall receive.

“And a miracle is exactly what we got! In those early days, Koa couldn’t stand, walk or even lift his head on his own,” the shelter said.

Koa’s foster was able to bring him back from death’s door, and the little shadow of a puppy blossomed into something much more.

“Watching him come back to life, gain strength, and finally experience love was one of the most emotional and fulfilling things I’ve ever been part of,” his foster told the shelter.

“We are endlessly grateful for the shelter’s medical team and the amazing Doctors at SOS of Ohio who fought for him right alongside us.”

The shelter noted that Koa has been officially adopted and living his best life.

“From being abandoned in a stroller to a future overflowing with love, Koa is nothing short of a miracle,” the shelter added.

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This story was originally published October 30, 2025 at 1:08 PM with the headline "Puppy was left for dead in baby stroller in Ohio. And then a miracle happened."

TJ Macias
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
TJ Macías is a Real-Time national sports reporter for McClatchy based out of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Formerly, TJ covered the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Rangers beat for numerous media outlets including 24/7 Sports and Mavs Maven (Sports Illustrated). Twitter: @TayloredSiren
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