KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Most of the time, if you see Dr. Luca Giori at the University of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital, you'll see Scarlett wagging her tail behind him.
Giori is a veterinarian and professor at the University of Tennessee.
"She's my soul," Giori said. "She actually made me realize how great and amazing of a profession this can be."
Scarlet was found on the side of the road in Campbell County in the spring of 2015. Friends of Campbell County, Tennessee Animals took her to a local shelter. From there, they realized her needs were so great and she needed to go to UT Veterinary Medical Center.
"When I saw her the first day, I didn't know if she was able to make it," Giori said. "I said if you are going to save this dog, maybe consider me as a possible person who can adopt her."
Giori watched Scarlet turn the corner and respond well to the treatment at UT. Within three weeks, she was ready to go home.
During her journey at UTVCM, she garnered global attention. To this day, thousands keep up with her on her Facebook page.
After she was fostered, Giori adopted her. They've been inseparable ever since.
"Wherever I was going she was coming with me," he said. "I wanted for her to be able to come everywhere so I did also did H.A.B.I.T. training for her."
Now, she's celebrating 10 years of life with her dog dad, who says she doesn't really need special care anymore.
She's even giving back by participating in some studies at UT, further giving back to the place that saved her own life. If you would like to help them continue other studies, you can find more information here.
Giori said he's thankful to the dedicated vets and volunteers who saved his dog's life. He said his life is better with Scarlet in it.
"I'm happy because she made my 10 years happier, but I'm also happy because I made her 10 years better being the way they they are," Giori said.