North Raleigh Today

On February 14, the Raleigh Transportation team experienced an unexpected event at their Operations Way facility. A small puppy was found seeking shelter behind a toolbox and some boards on a concrete slab by Special Operations staff around 7:45 a.m. The puppy appeared cold and hungry but cautiously approached the staff once he realized they were friendly.

The team noticed that although the puppy was in relatively good condition, he seemed undernourished. They shared their lunches with him and provided fresh water. After eating and receiving attention, the puppy's spirits improved significantly.

The puppy had no collar or tags, leaving his origin unknown. Considering the recent cold weather, it was assumed he had spent a difficult night outside. Concerned about taking him to an overcrowded shelter, Senior Maintenance Technician Nelson Jandres offered to take the pup home.

Nelson, who has worked for the City of Raleigh for eight years, had been searching for a pet for his family. He decided to name the puppy Valentin in honor of Valentine's Day.

Before leaving with Nelson, Valentin received affection from staff throughout the facility. Nelson plans to take Valentin to a veterinarian for a check-up and to determine if he is microchipped. If all goes well, Valentin will become part of Nelson's family and possibly serve as an unofficial mascot for the Special Operations team.

This incident serves as a reminder that love can appear unexpectedly—even in the form of an abandoned dog needing care.