“A refuge is not merely a location for dogs,” stated Shira Scott Astrof, for The Dodo, following her successful endeavor of adopting yet another puppy.
Granted, this seasoned CEO of A.R.M. (Animal Rescue Mission) possesses countless similar achievements in her portfolio, she remarked that this particular one held significant emotional weight and uniqueness.
Specifically, her tale commences in one of many animal shelters located in Los Angeles. Here, a frightened rescue dog named Chole awaited her savior in her daily spot.
However, the puppy with a mournful expression was reluctant to make eye contact. Shira recognized that she faced a challenging ordeal ahead.
Leading Pup Into the Light of Day
“Had she remained any longer in that gloomy corner of the shelter, she would have entirely shut down,” Shira dramatically concluded.
She perceived it in Chole’s eyes and knew that immediate action was necessary to rescue this unfortunate dog. Darvish was a joyful and lively young man, and Shira was confident he was the ideal person to reintroduce brightness into Chole’s life.
The next day, she, along with Darvish and her A.R.M. colleagues, arrived to liberate Chole from her solitude.
“Darvish and I led her out, and she hesitated to move because she was overwhelmed with fear,” Shira reminisces. She also noted that Chole seemed willing to return to the shelter, as if she couldn’t comprehend that a vast world existed beyond her corner.
Thankfully, after several attempts with the assistance of her partners and Darvish, they successfully helped her into the vehicle for her journey to a new abode.
An Unforgettable Journey
Though the trip lasted roughly an hour, the ride through Los Angeles was indeed a whirlwind of feelings for Chole, as well as for Shira.
After spending a long time in that dismal corner, it appeared that this overwhelming experience was too intense for her. Darvish shared that Chole was so distressed in the back seat of the car that Shira needed to sit beside her to provide comfort.
At that moment, true magic unfolded, as Chole began to demonstrate her affection towards her human companion. Although still somewhat reserved, it felt promising for a first encounter.
“There were instances where you could sense she realized she was safe, but still needed to fully absorb it,” Shira expressed, indicating that dogs like her require a little more time to rebuild their trust, but ultimately, it’s always a worthwhile journey.
Upon arriving at the house, Chole was once again terrified to exit the car. The plethora of changes and emotions had been overwhelming for her within such a brief timeframe. Nevertheless, she was in her joyful space with her rescuer.
Despite the difficulties, it’s essential to step out of one’s comfort zone to progress to the next chapter of life. And, understanding this, Chole courageously took her first step, exited the vehicle, and entered the home where her new journey was about to commence.
From a Spot of Sorrow to a Moment of Genuine Love and Joy
It became clear that Chole had not yet overcome all the suffering she had endured in the shelter’s corners.
Due to this, once again, she sought refuge in a corner to prepare for her next life, but now within her new residence.
And as Shira observed, she was aware that Darvish was the perfect match for Chole. He radiated compassion and recognized that the healing process would unfold gradually, but they would achieve their objective together. Thus, he allowed her to stay in her corner during her initial day.
“By the third day or so, I began sitting beside her, and she gradually started to eat from my hand, indicating she was slowly warming up to me,” Darvish shared.
As he anticipated, the significant transformation occurred on the fifth day, after which Chole didn’t wish to be apart from her new best friend.
She followed him everywhere, sensed when he was arriving home, and gazed at him with immense love and gratitude, as only a faithful companion can.
“They are undoubtedly soulmates and cannot envision life without each other,” Shira concluded with a misty eye, yet a joyful and proud one, as she successfully facilitated a remarkable bond.
