Nala - Rescued 1/24/26

Just hours before a major ice storm was expected to hit our area, Anakin’s Trails was able to bring a stray dog to safety — a beautiful doodle now known as Nala.

Nala first appeared about three weeks earlier at a local school in Easley. She was underweight, dirty, and clearly had been living on her own for some time. Parents and children noticed her coming around, and one parent made repeated efforts to earn her trust. Despite many tries, Nala was too fearful to allow any human close to her.

That’s when Anakin’s Trails was asked to help.

Two days before freezing rain, sleet, and snow were forecasted, we set a humane trap on a cold, dark evening. After the trap was placed, all we could do was wait. Just a few hours later, Nala appeared on the camera — but she wouldn’t go inside. While it was encouraging to see her, it was also discouraging to watch her circle the trap and walk away.

The next day, we adjusted our plan. With some warm, irresistible chicken as bait, Nala finally took the leap. Within 12 hours of the trap being set, she went fully inside.

As the storm grew closer, the urgency increased. Nala had no shelter and was often seen soaked from the rain. We knew she would not survive the severe weather if she stayed outside. The night before the storm, we sat nearby, worried and hoping this would be the moment.

The following morning, as temperatures dropped and time ran out, preparations were being made to protect her from the ice if needed. Then suddenly — there she was.

Within minutes, Nala was secured and safe.

She was safe from the storm, safe from life on the run, and safe from whatever circumstances led to her being alone in the first place. Today, Nala is no longer a stray — she is a beloved pet, already settling into her new life and bonding with her family.

This is what Anakin’s Trails does. We are not a rescue. We are a stray and pet recovery organization dedicated to locating, trapping, and recovering lost pets and stray animals so they can be reunited with their families or find their new forever family!

Welcome home, Nala. 💛