Amanda Knight was taking a leisurely walk with her dog in her New Orleans neighborhood when an unexpected encounter changed everything.

She noticed a dog dashing past her, initially assuming it belonged to a neighbor. But something about the dog’s demeanor made her pause. It was clear the dog needed help.

“I realized he [was] alone and scared. He was just absolutely terrified,” Knight recounted to The Dodo.

Image source: AMANDA KNIGHT

A neighbor soon explained the dog’s plight: his caretaker had recently passed away, and instead of taking him to a shelter, the caretaker’s family had cruelly abandoned him. Left alone, the dog wandered the streets, scared and confused.

Determined to help, Knight attempted to bring the dog into her home. But just as he was about to enter, he got spooked and bolted. Gaining his trust, Knight realized, was going to be a long and delicate process, one she couldn’t handle alone.

Knight rallied her neighbors, sharing the dog’s sad story. She was deeply moved by the community’s response. Together, they took action to ensure the dog’s survival and comfort.

@amanda_knight_ I won’t give up on this grieving dog. 💔😞🐾❤️‍🩹 #foryou #abandoned #grief #dog #rescuedog #dogsoftiktok #foryoupage #fyp #neworleans #rescue ♬ stuff we did – LBFD

“We all came together and left fresh water and food for the dog. I would walk by the houses, and there would be fresh water out at the end of everyone’s driveway. It was so sweet,” Knight said.

Every day, Knight spent time with the dog, earning his trust bit by bit. She’d sit with him as he ate, watching him bolt as soon as the food was gone. His elusive nature earned him the name Houdini, after the famous escape artist.

Then, one day, a breakthrough: Houdini allowed Knight to put a leash on him.

Image source: AMANDA KNIGHT

“I was just like, ‘Come on, we’re going home!’ He let me do it. It was insane,” Knight said, still amazed at the memory.

The transformation that followed was nothing short of magical. The once scared and lonely dog blossomed into a joyful and loving companion. The sadness in his eyes was replaced with a sparkle of hope and happiness.

“The way his eyes were [at first] was just so sad. Then, after, you can just see the hope,” Knight remarked.

Image source: AMANDA KNIGHT