Numerous stray dogs arrive at shelters feeling scared and reactive, often due to difficult street conditions and past traumas. However, the story of “Arizona” exemplifies how these dogs can achieve remarkable transformations!
This wonderful Boxer-Pit mix not only conquered her fears but also became the most beloved dog at the shelter!
Here’s her uplifting story!
Arizona’s Shining Personality
Arizona was brought to the Humane Educational Society in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2021 as a highly reactive dog. She faced significant challenges, including a fear of humans, aversion to other dogs, and a tendency to destroy every toy given to her.
The staff believed that beneath her challenging behavior was a lovable dog waiting to be discovered. Instead of giving up on her, they embraced her and provided her with the best possible care!
After a few months, Arizona blossomed into a new dog. Thanks to her devoted behavioral trainers, she excelled in obedience and reactivity training.
She now walks on a leash like a pro, follows commands effortlessly, and most importantly, she has grown comfortable around both people and other dogs.
“She is an AMAZING dog – obedient, loving, goofy, athletic, and incredibly smart,” the team at HES remarked on Facebook.
Shortly after her training, Arizona was placed with a fantastic foster mom, Krista Stein, who showered her with love and joy. For the first time ever, Arizona felt secure, and her true colors began to shine.
Unfortunately, Krista was unable to keep her for long, and Arizona had to return to HES, embarking on what would become one of the longest shelter journeys for any dog.
A Remarkable Milestone
Despite her charming personality, Arizona continued to be overlooked in the shelter. She watched as other dogs found homes, while her forever person seemed to be absent.
Eventually, she became the longest resident at the Tennessee shelter, celebrating a remarkable milestone of 1,000 days. The team chose to celebrate this instead of mourning her lack of adoption.
They prepared a special celebration including her favorite toys, jolly balls, pup cups, and a beautifully crafted peanut butter cake just for her.
The HES team ensured her 1,000th day was celebrated like royalty, even taking her on a delightful field trip to a lake where she enjoyed a refreshing swim.
“Arizona is HES’s longest canine resident. She’s more than ready to find her forever home – we can’t wait to wave goodbye to her when she finally rides off with her forever family,” her caretakers wrote in a Facebook update.
Even though Arizona is yet to find her forever home, her caregivers make sure she always feels loved and cherished.
In her temporary home at HES, she is surrounded by a loving community of people who truly care for her!
We sincerely hope that her perseverance and delightful spirit will soon culminate in her finding an ideal forever home.
When that day arrives, we are confident she will greet her new family with a beaming smile and continue to be the joyful girl we all know!
