Sometimes, we humans forget that animals raised on the streets require time to adjust to their new surroundings. Letting go of their past hardships isn’t easy; they rely on us to provide the space necessary for them to decompress. This adjustment period can last anywhere from a few days to several months.
Mazie, the focus of today’s story, truly needed this time. Having spent the majority of her life on the unforgiving streets—and even giving birth there—her situation was particularly stressful.
You Are Safe Now, Mazie
When the NorCal Bully Breed Rescue learned of a mama dog caring for her puppies in a parking lot, they immediately recognized the urgency to assist.
Fortuitously, the rescue mission was swiftly executed, resulting in both Mazie and all eight of her pups being relocated to the Sacramento shelter in no time. This was the beginning of their recovery journey, where they could prioritize their well-being without the constant worry of food or shelter.
Patience Is Key
As time passed, Mazie’s puppies blossomed into adorable bundles of joy, and all of them quickly found loving forever homes. However, their mama’s journey was markedly different, as she was more reserved, a little slower to come around, and shyer than most. The shelter reported, “Mazie just needed someone to give her a chance to feel comfortable enough to show that side of herself.”
“Mazie was a little more reserved… But once she got to know you, she was your best friend!” wrote the shelter in a Facebook post.
Despite their reassurance that she just needed time to adjust, potential adopters continually expressed a lack of connection with Mazie. Unfortunately, the first adoption attempt ended in heartbreak when the shelter received an email only three days later, stating, “I’m so sorry but I need to return Mazie. She’s just not fitting in.” This setback affected Mazie significantly, making her more withdrawn and increasing the difficulty of finding her a permanent home.
Good Things Come To Those Who Wait
Fortunately, a woman named Mary took Mazie in as her foster, hoping to help her come out of her shell. After a couple of months, the Sacramento shelter received the best news! A couple, Barbra and Dimitri, were searching for a dog to enrich their lives, and Mazie captured their attention!
The shelter staff expressed their excitement, stating, “Their application looked absolutely perfect. On the phone, she sounded like a dream come true. She understood that dogs require time and love to feel comfortable in a new home.”
Since then, the trio have been enjoying a beautiful life together. Mazie has transformed remarkably, spending her days on adventures with her loving parents, who cherish everything about her. The shelter staff shared their joy, stating, “Barbara and Dimitri – THANK YOU for letting her get to know you on her time and her terms. This is one of our favorite adoption stories of all time. We could not have dreamed of a more perfect home for our perfect girl.”
