Approximately 3.1 million canines enter shelters throughout the United States annually. (1) Some of these dogs are young ones who were rescued from the streets. These vulnerable puppies began their existence as stray animals. They have never experienced affection or understood what it means to have a caring home.
Matilda was among those naive stray puppies who had no knowledge of life beyond the streets until one day, her fortune began to shift. Let’s explore how her narrative develops.
A True Gem
At two months old, she was saved by Douglas County Animal Shelter in Georgia. She had a severe worm infestation and suffered from skin infections.
Regardless of her challenging existence on the streets, Matilda remained ecstatic, continually wagging her tail. She let go of her past and concentrated on her future. Her joy was infectious, spreading happiness among all the volunteers.
“And, she bestowed the sweetest kisses. She was the most adorable creature ever,” remarked Santina Sanders, a volunteer.
Pibbles & More Animals Rescue, a rescue organization, was captivated by the lovely puppy and sought a home for her.
The moment Matilda learned that she was moving to a foster home was the most jubilant day of her life. Everyone could see the sheer delight on her face.
Teresa Bowles-Chiofalo took her from the shelter and drove her to her foster mom, Kerrie Rich.
Matilda Is Over The Moon
During the one-and-a-half-hour car journey, she was grinning from ear to ear and wagging her tail. Teresa was profoundly touched by her elation and pulled over several times to share some cuddles. To her, Matilda was the ideal puppy.
Matilda settled in with her foster family, her happiness was boundless, and she showered them with kisses.
However, there was one thing Matilda wasn’t fond of: the collar that her mom attempted to put on her. Though her skin was healing, it remained sensitive. That was the only moment she halted her tail’s wagging.
“She is definitely not a fan. I removed it right away,” Rich stated.
Matilda enjoyed playing with her toys and her furry siblings. She even assisted her human brother with his school assignments.
Once Matilda’s skin recovers, she will be ready for adoption. Her foster mom is aware that parting with her will be challenging, but she understands it’s an essential aspect of this journey.
“When one pup gets adopted, it creates space at my home for another to be saved, which in turn opens up another place at the shelter,” she explains.
We are confident that the adorable Matilda found her forever family and that they are just as enamored with her as we are.
References:
- American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals, Pet Statistics, accessed 19 July 2023, https://www.aspca.org/