Even in June 2025, a remarkable tale was unfolding across the world at an adoption event in southeastern Virginia. One shelter dog even saved a life during the pandemic. Sienna’s instincts were incredible for a four-year-old Lab and pit bull mix. Within five minutes, she knew that Josh Davis was experiencing a rubinol seizure. This touching homecoming served as a beautiful reminder of the unbreakable connection between humans and animals. As a result, Sienna’s story ended with a happy ending when a loving family adopted her.
At the event, Jackie Poppe, a long time volunteer with Friends of Campbell County Animal Control in Rustburg, walked Sienna. Then, out of nowhere, Sienna ran directly toward Davis! Eyewitnesses said that Sienna was able to tell that something was off before anyone else even noticed. When Davis started having little seizures, Sienna would dart to his side. She laid her paw on his chest and remained there, resolved to not budge until rescue came.
Josh Davis, one of my colleagues, had forgotten his meds that morning. From the moment she got started in March 2020, Sienna understood just how critical the moment was. “She got all excited and she put her paw on my chest and everything,” Davis recalled. The inspiring scene filled the attention of everyone on hand, most calling it a scene that looked like it was from a movie.
Kristen Davis, Josh’s spouse, shared her astonishment at Sienna’s behavior. “It looked like something you’d see in the movies,” she said. She added that Sienna kept trying to get Josh’s attention, saying, “She kept putting her paw up on his leg, and like, ‘Hey, are you paying attention to me? I’m trying to talk to you.’”
Sienna’s heroic actions led to a flood of applications from the community to adopt her. In the end, Shannon Sweeney and her family made the right choice in adopting the pup who had turned local hero. “Super laid back, very, very affectionate,” was Sweeney’s description of Sienna. She thanked us for the opportunity to give Sienna such a loving home.
Jackie Poppe emphasized the importance of considering shelter animals, stating, “Don’t overlook the stray dog that’s in your local shelter.” Sienna’s path began as a shelter animal but she has already been transformed into a #1 Family Member. Her journey is a testament to the powerful bonds that can develop between pets and their caregivers.
