All it sometimes takes to earn the love of a shelter dog is a few smiles, some treats, and a gentle pat on the head.
Now, picture the impact months of love in a caring foster home can bring!
When Sequoia, the American Bully from the shelter, first entered her foster environment, she was completely frozen. She had endured a terrible history, was emaciated, and had never experienced a cuddle from anyone.
Thankfully, her story was about to change – all thanks to a remarkable couple from California!
Sequoia’s Backstory
Sequoia was rescued, along with many other dogs, from a backyard breeder by the I Stand With My Pack, based in Culver City, California. She had a tough start in life, experiencing significant neglect.
When she arrived at the rescue, Sequoia was underweight and terrified, completely unaware of how to behave like a dog or interact with humans.
“She was so frightened and nearly shut down when we saved her. She has come such a long way. Love and proper care mended her broken soul and offered her a glimmer of hope for the future,” her rescuers shared on Facebook.
A wonderful couple from California, Alyssa and Alon, made the choice to foster this sweet girl. Although Alyssa had lost her cherished dog a year prior and was unsure about welcoming another into her life, something about Sequoia compelled her and Alon to take the leap!
It turned out that fostering her was one of the best decisions they could have made!
Nevertheless, Sequoia’s journey wasn’t simple. She spent the first several months largely shut down and terrified of nearly everything!
Moving from Fear to Love
From the very first day in her new home, this lovable Bully was anxious and terrified. On her arrival, she even hesitated to get out of the car.
She wouldn’t walk, was unfamiliar with stairs, and didn’t know how to use a dog bed. Every unfamiliar sound frightened her.
Even the noise of the television was daunting, and her foster parents recognized they needed to be patient. But then, Alon gently picked her up and carried her upstairs, marking a significant milestone for both Sequoia and her foster family!
