Who says you can’t find love on Valentine’s Day?
For the Raleigh Transportation team, February 14 started like any other workday—but quickly turned into something special when they discovered an unexpected visitor at the Operations Way facility.
At around 7:45 a.m., Special Operations staff spotted a small, shivering puppy seeking shelter behind a toolbox and some boards on a concrete slab. The tiny pup, clearly cold and hungry, cautiously peeked out when he noticed the staff approaching. As soon as he realized he was among friends, he stepped forward, eager for warmth and attention.
Despite being in relatively good shape, the little pup was visibly undernourished. Without hesitation, the crew shared their lunches and provided him with fresh water. It didn’t take long for the team to see a transformation—after a hearty meal and some much-needed affection, the puppy’s spirits lifted, and so did everyone else’s!
With no collar or tags, it was unclear where he had come from. Given the recent cold temperatures, the team suspected he had endured a tough night. Unsure of what to do next, they worried about taking him to an overcrowded shelter. That’s when Senior Maintenance Technician Nelson Jandres stepped up in the best way possible—he volunteered to take the pup home.
Nelson, an 8-year veteran of the City of Raleigh, had been looking for a furry companion for his family. And what better day to find a new best friend than Valentine’s Day? In honor of the occasion, he named the puppy Valentin.
Before heading home, Valentin made his rounds, receiving love and cuddles from staff across the facility. The once-shivering pup had a brand-new outlook and a brand-new family. Nelson plans to take Valentin to the vet for a check-up and to see if he’s chipped. If all goes well, Valentin will officially become a part of Nelson’s family… and perhaps even the unofficial mascot of the Special Operations team!
This Valentine’s Day rescue reminds us all that love comes in the most unexpected ways—even in the form of an abandoned pup who just needed a second chance.
Welcome home, Valentin!