Unfortunately, shelters, especially those on the streets, aren’t ideal living conditions for dogs. Many of them find themselves in these situations until they finally find their forever homes.
One dog, in particular, experienced this reality for much of her life. Butterfly arrived at a Chicago shelter after being exploited for breeding and living as a stray for several years.
She spent over 500 days in that shelter, until one day, her life took a remarkable turn.
A True Transformation into A Butterfly
When she came to the shelter as a stray, Butterfly was about five years old, weighed 17 pounds more than she should, and grappled with severe anxiety. In addition, she had one hidden issue that went unnoticed by the shelter staff.
Her more than a year-long stay in the shelter, compounded by several health problems, was a test of her strength, but she faced it with valor.
The wait proved worthwhile; after 553 days, a ray of hope emerged for Butterfly. After all that time in solitude, Sue Naiden, president of the Trio Animal Foundation, was moved by Butterfly’s plight and chose to foster her.
“When people discover that a dog has been at a shelter for an extended period, they often assume there’s something wrong with them,” shared Sue with Newsweek.
This decision was taken with the understanding that Butterfly might otherwise remain in a kennel for her entire life. It ultimately proved to be one of her best choices.
Following several treatments, including dental surgery, it became apparent that Butterfly was relishing her new life.
She was ecstatic to join her foster mother on walks and was warmly accepted by other dogs, especially the therapy dog team from TAF, which aided her adjustment to her new surroundings.
Above all, a profound bond formed between Butterfly and Naiden.
“There was something uniquely special about Butterfly,” reflected Naiden. The revelation that Butterfly was deaf turned out to be a remarkable moment for her.
Her Deafness Became A Blessing
“We have discovered that Butterfly has significant trouble hearing, if not complete deafness,” noted the Trio Animal Foundation in their Facebook update. “You can stand right behind her, make a loud noise, and she won’t react.”
It soon became evident that Butterfly was not merely hard of hearing but completely deaf. This explained her calm nature around barking dogs.
However, Naiden began to view Butterfly’s condition not as detrimental but as an opportunity for a significant life change. Thanks to this “gift,” Butterfly became an esteemed member of TAF’s therapy dog team, standing out among the rest.
In her new role, she provides support to smaller dogs who struggle with their confidence.
“If a small dog is intimidated by Butterfly’s size, we can determine that they would thrive in a home with smaller companions,” explained Naiden.
Moreover, her ability to remain calm in scenarios where most dogs would be agitated positioned her well for evaluating the temperament of larger, more aggressive dogs.
As it turns out, her deafness proved beneficial, enabling her to remain composed in stressful situations where other dogs might react negatively.
“Her calm demeanor can de-escalate almost any circumstance,” Naiden added.
Ultimately, the most heartwarming outcome was yet to come. Butterfly found her forever home. Naiden adopted her, formalizing their incredible bond and providing a loving home for this remarkable dog.
Despite her deafness, Butterfly has gained everything else that matters, including the love of those around her.
Today, this extraordinary girl listens with her heart.
