I believe that you would never expect your dog to have a secret admirer, but this couple from Vermont, USA, sure did experience this.
They adopted their dog, Myrtle, an American Pit Bull Terrier, from the Humane Society of Chittenden County.
Myrtle, or previously known as Angel, did not have an easy past. She was rescued by Baldwin County Animal Control & Services in Georgia as a part of a cruelty case.
She weighed only about 25 pounds, and required extensive veterinary care as well as emotional support.
Her scars are sadly a reminder of everything she’d been through, but thankfully, she was adopted by the best people who adore and cherish her every single day.
Unidentified Sender Mystery
In November 2021, Myrtle’s parents received a mysterious package containing no note, nor return address.
Confused, they opened the package and were surprised to find two chew toys, a bag of chicken, and waffle-flavored dog treats. Obviously, it was a gift for their precious dog, Myrtle, but from whom?
After fostering her, Jessica Sattelberger and her boyfriend adopted Myrtle in June of the same year, so the gift had to be for her.
“We were extremely confused,” Jessica told The Dodo. At first, they thought it was her sister who usually sent her presents, but after questioning her, it turned out it wasn’t her.
More gifts kept coming, which Myrtle loved, but Jessica and Adam were still wondering who was behind all this.
Myrtle And ‘Uncle Bill’
The anonymous admirer turned out to be someone they never thought of, nor had a relationship with.
The person who was sending their rescue dog gifts was the father of one of Adam’s childhood friends from high school.
“We figured it out after one of his sons had told Adam that their dad had asked for our address,” Jessica told The Dodo.
But, the funny thing was that they didn’t even know the man they started calling ‘Uncle Bill’. Adam met him briefly once a long time ago, and since then, they never spoke again.
However, they quickly figured out that ‘Uncle Bill’ follows Myrtle’s Instagram account, and he must have taken a liking to her.
“Eventually he started writing, ‘Love, Uncle Bill’ on the packages. The whole thing’s incredible,” said Jessica.
“Part of me wonders if it’s just her story that really touched his heart. We were making lots of videos about her and just showing how scared she was and how she was making strides, so maybe the gifts were a ‘you’re doing great’ bit of encouragement,” wondered Jessica.
@jessycakes We love Bill and our dog loves all her gifts. #truestory #doggifts ♬ original sound – Jessica Sattelberger | Guru
Uncle Bill never said why he keeps sending Myrtle gifts, but we can all agree that it is the sweetest thing ever – and he couldn’t have chosen a better girl for his mysterious gifts.
Myrtle And Her Story
Myrtle is thriving now with her new family, but a couple of years ago, her life was not roses. “She was in HORRIBLE shape upon intake (…) we think she was used as a fight dog,” said Jessica.
Considering what she’s been through, it’s no surprise that she was terrified of everything at first. “She would hide in her crate and laundry baskets in the closet. She wouldn’t go on walks either. She would just freeze the second we got her outside,” Jessica and Adam said.
Every little step forward felt like a huge milestone to them, and it truly was. But, they didn’t give up.
With the help of amazing trainers, love, and their hard work, Myrtle changed a lot. Now, she is a completely different dog who enjoys life, walks, and spending time with people.
@jessycakes Replying to @carlottafajina ask and you shall receive. #unclebill #dogsoftiktok #rescuedog ♬ The Home Depot Beat – The Home Depot
“At the end of the day, we love that a semi-stranger has found a special place in his heart for a pit bull who was abused and neglected,” Jessica said.
‘Uncle Bill’, you have a heart of gold and should serve as a beautiful example to others.
Follow Myrtle on her official Instagram account – @myrtlethemagicaldog.
