When Lucy, a young puppy with a fractured tibia, arrived at the shelter, she was terrified. Her tail wagged a mile a minute when staff came near her– but despite her happy body, she still whimpered loudly. Her heart-wrenching cries could be heard from the hallway. The shelter staff knew that Lucy had experienced trauma, but they were unsure if her fear was due to new people, her time at the shelter, or her injuries.
Enter Emily and Morgan! A couple who decided to foster Lucy and help her heal both physically and emotionally. They took Lucy home, gave her a bath, and introduced her to their 18-pound cat. The two animals quickly became friends, playing and cuddling together.
Lucy’s foster parents also introduced her to new experiences, such as her first taste of peanut butter and going on long walks. These walks not only helped Lucy’s leg get stronger but also helped her become more acclimated to new sounds and people. At first, Lucy was scared of everything and would pull back, wanting to go back inside. However, Emily and Morgan were patient and introduced her to the outside world slowly to help her build up confidence.
Lucy’s journey also included her first encounter with snow, which she loved! As she continued to grow and heal, it became clear that Lucy was a perfect fit for Emily and Morgan’s family. Despite initially planning to only foster Lucy, the couple quickly realized they wanted to adopt her permanently.
Today, Lucy is a happy, healthy, and confident puppy who has found her forever home with a loving family. Her story is a testament to the power of love, patience, and understanding in helping animals overcome trauma and fear.
Toledo, United States.
