Through her organization called Arrow Dog Rescue, Kimberley Slown has rescued hundreds of dogs. Each rescue dog comes with a unique set of challenges and, as you can imagine, the work can be heart-breaking. Now and then, however, moments like this occur and make all the hard times worthwhile.
NIYA
Slown brought home a terrified and abused dog named Niya from the Gibson Animal Shelter in Trenton, Tennessee. Of course, Niya was terrified, but on her second night in Slown’s home, she did something that will melt your heart.
Niya was abandoned by her former owner. In her kennel, she had shut down entirely. Slown, who sadly has seen hundreds of abused animals, could see someone had hurt Niya terribly.
Image via The Dodo
Niya was all beat up. She had a gash above her eye that is clear even in the photo. That indicates someone hit her with something like a tool or a bat. Slown has seen the injury on her nose before, as well. Sadly, that cut occurs when abusers use an empty can as a muzzle.
And those are just the injuries you can see on the outside.
TERRIFIED
Once Slown arrived in Tennessee to pick up the adorable pup, she saw that Niya was so terrified she couldn’t even move on her own. She had her tail pressed firmly between her legs, and she was in total lockdown panic mode.
Image via The Dodo
So, Slown, my hero, simply picked up all 47 pounds of terrified dog and carried her to the car.
Image via The Dodo
When Niya arrived at Slown’s house, she was utterly exhausted. She managed to get herself tucked into a corner and then she slept and slept. As a matter of fact, she slept for the entire first two days and nights she was there.
THE SECOND NIGHT
On the second night of Niya’s stay, however, things took a turn for the better and an extraordinary moment took place. While Slown was asleep, she felt warm breath against her hand that dangled off the side of the bed.
When she looked down, she saw that Niya’s had her muzzle pressed into the palm of her hand.
Image via The Dodo
“She just breathes into my hand and I woke up and immediately paid attention to her, petting her and talking to her,” said Slown. “She smiles and leaned in.”
Niya returned to her bed after a few moments at Slown’s bedside but didn’t stay there long.
“A couple of hours later, the same thing,” Slown explained. “It was overwhelming. I was crying.”
ON THE MEND
Image via The Dodo
Niya has improved significantly in just a few days she has spent in recovery, so far. She still faces a few battles, though. She is also battling hookworms and whipworms.
That hasn’t stopped her, however, from giving Slown and her wife Terri a few more special moments.
Like the time she smiled at them on the way back from the vet.
Image via The Dodo
There was also the moment when she finally settled into her first real bed, too.
Image via The Dodo
In the end, thanks to beautiful people like Slown and her wife, Niya has the best chance to find a loving forever home, once she is all better.
You can follow Niya’s progress by clicking on this link.
Thank you, Slown and Terri for saving yet another precious life.
Would you consider being a doggy foster? Tell me why or why not in the comments.
Feature Image via The Dodo
Upvote Downvote
Total votes: 174
Upvotes: 155
Upvotes percentage: 89.080460%
Downvotes: 19
Downvotes percentage: 10.919540%