Imagine stumbling upon a photo that tugs at your heartstrings so deeply, you’re propelled into action without a second thought. This is the story of Barbara Zuluaga and a puppy whose beginning in life was anything but ordinary. It’s a tale that reminds us of the resilience of the underdog and the power of compassion.
When Zuluaga first saw the photo, it was hard to decipher through the mange and sores that covered the tiny, crusty-skinned puppy, what breed she could possibly be. “I thought that she was a Chihuahua or some other small breed,” Zuluaga, a board member of A Chance to Bloom Dog Rescue in Houston, Texas, said. Little did she know, this puppy was a Staffordshire terrier mix, so malnourished she was only half her expected size at about 12 pounds.
Stephanie Williams and Ziva at the vet’s office. Photo courtesy of A Chance To Bloom
Named Ziva at the time, the puppy’s journey began after she was discovered chained to a tree on a property in Houston, her body a testament to severe neglect. She was taken into BARC Animal Shelter, a place where her fate could easily have turned grim, if not for the intervention of individuals like Zuluaga. The sad truth of her condition painted a grim picture of her past, revealing prolonged suffering.
Ziva was not only battling physical ailments but was also emotionally scarred, scared of every new face she encountered. Zuluaga’s decision to pull Ziva from the shelter and seek medical treatment was a turning point for this downtrodden soul. It was at the vet’s office where Stephanie Williams, a veterinary technician, became enamored with Ziva’s spirit. Williams’s decision to foster Ziva marked the beginning of a new chapter for this brave pup.
Ziva’s time with Williams was life-changing. She not only regained her physical health but also began to unravel the joys of being a dog. From learning to eat from a bowl, enjoying the comfort of a bed, to the simple pleasure of jumping onto the couch, Ziva thrived under Williams’s care.
She did really, really well overcoming the adversities and the challenges that had been set before her, and I’m proud of her,” Williams said.
Despite the interest from many wanting to adopt Ziva due to her newfound cuteness, finding the right adopter, someone who could navigate her lingering fear issues, was paramount. Zuluaga’s persistence paid off when she found the perfect match in Cassie Rogers, a woman who not only connected with Ziva’s story but had a history of rehabilitating dogs.
Far right, Casse Rogers, Williams, and Ziva. Photo courtesy of A Chance To Bloom
The transition to her forever home in Fort Worth, Texas, where Ziva, now named Roxy, began a life unimaginable from her harsh beginnings. Roxy’s days are now filled with play, love, and the comfort of knowing she’s safe. According to her adopter, Rogers, Roxy is thriving, showcasing the incredible journey of recovery and the profound bond between humans and animals.
Roxy’s story is a testament to the work of organizations like A Chance to Bloom Dog Rescue and individuals willing to give a second chance to those in need. “She is starting to play with toys, loves food time and treats, snuggles on the couch with us and sleeps in the bed, gives me kisses, and just wants to run and play with the big dogs. I am in love with her,” Rogers said. Watch below for a look at this amazing transformation!
Sources: The Dodo | Business Insider
