Shelby and Asher couldn’t contain their anticipation as they prepared to welcome a new member to their family. Fawn, a rescue dog from Puerto Rico, had been abandoned on a beach and was understandably nervous and wary of the world. Despite her fears, Shelby and Asher were determined to give her the love and patience she needed to thrive. Bringing Fawn home felt bittersweet. The couple had recently lost their beloved dog, Lola, who had been a calming presence and a source of comfort during difficult times.
“Lola was so special to us and even helped mend our relationship through hard times,” Shelby shared in the video below. While they knew Fawn’s personality would be different, they were ready for the challenge and excited to begin this new chapter.
The day finally arrived, and the couple headed to the airport to meet Fawn. The wait felt endless, like “It’s like Christmas morning when you’re a kid,” Asher said. When Fawn was carried out to meet them, her fear was immediately evident. She was cautious and hesitant, unsure of her new surroundings and the people now calling themselves her mom and dad.
When they got her home, Fawn retreated to her dog bed and stayed there for the rest of the night. Shelby and Asher gave her space, respecting her boundaries and letting her adjust at her own pace. For days, Fawn avoided interaction, preferring the safety of her hiding spot. Slowly, she began to show small signs of curiosity, grabbing toys and carrying them back to her bed.
Determined to help Fawn feel comfortable, Shelby and Asher spent hours lying on the floor to make themselves less intimidating. Gradually, Fawn started to approach them. One night, she made her first big move, walking toward Shelby and flopping onto her lap. They called it “the Fawn flop,” a heartwarming sign of trust.
From that moment, Fawn’s transformation was remarkable. It was as if she suddenly realized she could embrace life again. She became playful and energetic, rediscovering her puppyhood. “It was like she was getting to tap into her puppyhood again,” Shelby said.
Adventures soon became a regular part of Fawn’s new life. Walks in the woods, training sessions, and playtime strengthened the bond between her and her new family. Fawn thrived on learning new skills, and the couple loved seeing her pride after completing a task.
Fawn’s journey from a frightened stray to a beloved family member has brought joy and laughter back into Shelby and Asher’s lives. “Having Fawn around has just brought so much fun to my life again,” Asher said. Whether it’s a “Fawn flop” or a successful training session, every moment with her feels like a celebration of trust and love.
Shockingly, this is not the first time she has faced animal cruelty charges; she has a past conviction for similar crimes. We must ensure that no more animals suffer or die in her care!
Now, Fawn isn’t just a part of their family—she’s the heart of it, bringing warmth, laughter, and adventure into their home every single day. To see Fawn’s full story, click ‘play’ below. Thank you to The Dodo for sharing this wonderful tale!
Toledo, United States.
