Dogs like Mulan make us question how many four-legged friends never get the chance to show their true selves. This sweet girl had no choice but to be overly protective, a trait that only led her into trouble. Due to a traumatic past, she faced euthanization, labeled as a “severely reactive” dog no one wanted. Barking at everyone and refusing to let others near her kennel, the shelter staff decided she should be put down. But just when it seemed all hope was lost, a compassionate dog lover intervened and changed Mulan’s life for the better!
The Unexpected Breakthrough
Mulan’s previous owners surrendered her to a shelter because their landlord required them to get rid of her. Terrified upon entering the shelter, Mulan had never been socialized with people or dogs, leading her to feel overly protective at all times. This fear pushed her into the euthanasia list when she didn’t allow anyone to get close. Then came the long-awaited miracle!
A shelter volunteer reached out to Martha Moore, vice president of Friends of Guilford County Animal Shelter in North Carolina, to seek help for Mulan. Martha eagerly accepted, especially after learning that Mulan hadn’t left her kennel for 13 days.
“She was emotionally shut down and wouldn’t let anyone near her kennel. By the end of the day, she had to leave the shelter, or she would be put down,” shared her foster mom with The Dodo.
Martha spent two hours getting acquainted with Mulan at the shelter. Although the dog was anxious, she eventually allowed Martha to put a leash on her and take her home. For the first few days, Mulan was cautious while adjusting to her new foster home, still troubled by destructive behaviors. One day, she managed to make a complete mess of the room and looked utterly terrified.
Instead of scolding her, Martha sat on the floor, ignoring the mess and giving Mulan a treat. That moment marked a breakthrough! For the first time, Mulan approached Martha and started showering her with kisses, as if to say: “Thank you for not punishing me!”
Transformation Of A Lifetime
Since that day, Mulan’s behavior improved significantly, as she fully opened her heart to her foster family and her new home in North Carolina. Within just two weeks, she transformed into a new dog. Although she remained somewhat cautious around new people at first, she found it much easier to socialize.
“Mulan is a sensitive girl and needs about 15 minutes to warm up to new people. Once you give her time to get comfortable, you’ll have a friend for life,” says Martha.
Mulan began to accept belly rubs and hugs like her foster siblings. “She loves playing with other dogs, shares her toys and food/water bowls nicely, and gets along with cats! The perfect package,” Martha proudly shared on her Facebook.
After two months filled with love, cuddles, and socialization, Mulan emerged as a completely transformed girl, ready to embrace a new life! She found the pawfect family prepared to offer her the love, understanding, and patience she craved. With this newfound support, I’m absolutely pawsitive she will bring joy to her new humans!
