When a sandy-colored dog began lingering around a small-town gas station in Manitoba, no one expected her to become the unofficial greeter.
Every day, she showed up right on time, wagging her tail as if she’d punched in for a shift.
Travelers couldn’t resist her charm — they offered her kind words, head scratches, and little treats from their car snacks.
From Gas Station Regular to Local Celebrity
People came to know her as Juneau, the cheerful pup who never met a stranger.
She radiated warmth, her tail thumping against the pavement even as she stood on three strong legs and one that barely seemed to cooperate.
Beneath her bright spirit, however, was a quiet struggle she never let anyone see.
As the weeks passed, her limp became more noticeable. But Juneau kept showing up, greeting customers with the same happy energy.
She seemed determined not to let her pain overshadow the affection she shared with everyone who stopped for gas.
Her resilience became part of her charm — though few realized how much strength it took for her just to walk.
The Day Help Finally Arrived
Word about the friendly “gas station dog” spread across the nearby communities, eventually reaching Manitoba Underdogs Rescue, a group known for stepping in when no one else can.
When volunteers arrived to see her, Juneau trotted up as though she’d been expecting them all along — tail wagging, eyes bright, and heart wide open.
After some careful conversations, the rescue team discovered that Juneau did, in fact, have an owner — someone who loved her deeply but was struggling with serious health challenges.
The situation made it impossible for them to give Juneau the care she needed. It wasn’t neglect, just heartbreak.
With a heavy heart, the owner agreed that surrendering Juneau was the kindest thing to do.
Rescuers gently loaded her into their vehicle. Juneau didn’t fight or resist; instead, she seemed to understand that her life was shifting toward something new.
“When we pulled into town for our outreach trip, she was already there waiting, like she knew it was time,” the team later shared.
At the rescue’s care facility, veterinarians gave Juneau a full medical assessment. Aside from being a bit underweight, she was in decent health — except for her injured leg.
X-rays showed that she had suffered a fracture long ago that had healed incorrectly, leaving her unable to bear weight without pain.
Despite her sunny attitude, Juneau had been living with constant discomfort for months.
Healing, Hope, and a New Beginning
The medical team determined that the best option for Juneau would be surgery to remove the damaged leg. Though it sounds daunting, dogs are remarkably resilient — and three-legged pups often adapt quickly, running and playing just as they did before.
While she waits for her procedure, Juneau is resting comfortably at the rescue, soaking up every ounce of love and attention she can get.
“Juneau has the most beautiful spirit,” says Jessica Hansen, the organization’s executive director. “Even with everything she’s been through, she still greets us with kisses and tries to play. It’s hard to keep her calm when she just wants to run and enjoy life.”
At the shelter, Juneau has become everyone’s favorite companion. She gets along easily with other dogs, curls up next to cats as if they’re old friends, and melts into the laps of every volunteer she meets.
There’s something about her — a mix of gentleness and courage — that draws people in instantly.
Her caretakers say she’s thriving in this chapter of her recovery, rediscovering her playful side and learning that it’s okay to rest.
Between naps on soft blankets and outdoor time under the autumn sun, she’s surrounded by people who see her not as a stray, but as family.
In time, Juneau will be matched with an adoptive home — one that can offer her the stability and affection she’s always given so freely.
The gas station days are behind her, but her greeting spirit remains the same.
Juneau no longer waits by the roadside for passing cars. Instead, she waits for her next big adventure — one that begins when she walks through the door of her forever home.
And when that day comes, she’ll probably wag her tail just the same way she always has — proud, grateful, and ready to love again.