Animal shelters strive to provide love and comfort to their animals, but this task can often be more challenging than it appears.
Many animals struggle to thrive in crowded environments, as they need focused attention and affection.
This is where foster homes play a crucial role. They offer a peaceful setting where dogs can socialize, receive individualized care, and heal from any past trauma.
Today’s story highlights how a sweet pup rediscovered her joy for life, thanks to her compassionate fosters.
Meet Holly
During a visit to the Dallas Animal Shelter, a woman named Janae encountered a truly special dog. Holly, an adorable rescued stray, was one of the shelter residents.
Despite being extremely malnourished and partially blind, Holly caught Janae’s eye.
“She wasn’t like the other dogs, eagerly running up to the window for attention. I asked the volunteer if we could take her out to the yard, just to give her a break from the kennel,” Janae recounted to GeoBeats.
As the volunteer approached with a leash, Holly became frightened. To get her outside, another volunteer had to gently pick her up and carry her to the yard.
A New Beginning
Once Holly felt the fresh air, her excitement was palpable.
“As soon as we were out in the yard, she started running around, thrilled to be free. There was another dog on the other side of the gate, and she began to play bowing and wanting to interact with him,” Janae shared.
Unfortunately, Holly’s happiness was short-lived.
Due to her injuries and the full capacity of the shelter, she was deemed unadoptable and scheduled for euthanasia.
“I called my husband and said, ‘She cannot stay there. She does not want to go back in; we have to bring home another foster,’” Janae recalled.
A Fresh Start
After leaving the shelter, Janae took Holly to the groomer for a bath. Once she was clean, they headed to a pet store to pick up some fun toys.
However, upon arriving at Janae’s home, Holly became a bit anxious.
In her first few days at the foster home, she mostly hid in a corner, avoiding the world. Fortunately, it didn’t take long for her to come out of her shell.
Janae and her husband, who had previously adopted dogs, provided Holly with the companionship she needed to feel safe.
“They helped her realize that our home was a secure place for her,” Janae explained.
Now, Holly enjoys playing outside with her dog siblings, engaging in games of tag all day long. She also loves to relax and snuggle with her humans on the couch whenever possible.
Finding a Forever Home
After a year of fostering, Janae and her husband grew increasingly attached to Holly. They knew she deserved to be part of a loving family. Eventually, that dream came true.
“This adoption is a million percent worth the wait for the perfect family. Her wonderful new owners saw her on Facebook and live in Washington state. They had lost their beloved dog earlier this year, a sweet DPA Alumni named Georgia,” Janae shared in an Instagram post.
Holly has finally found her rightful place—a loving family that adores her wholeheartedly.