I started at THS at the end of July; nervous for this new journey but excited for the future. I had some shelter experience previously but had really no idea what it would be like to be apart of an organization like this or how much of a difference is made. I've seen horrific treatment of animals that come into the shelter and we do all we can to provide them with a better future. I've personally been a part of how THS changes lives; enter Madonna.

Madonna came through our cruelty department on a friday in Oct with her mate Muddy. They were abandoned by their owner in a filthy garage and Muddy was very sick. Muddy unfortunately passed overnight and Madonna was very scared. She spent the weekend in the behavior office for a cool down. I came back from vacation on Monday and was greeted with a ferocious bark in the back corner of my boss's desk....what a great meet cute am I right? There was an email stating she was very fearful and to not touch her as she will bite. This is fairly common when dogs come into the shelter; new stressful environment. As I was catching up on things I missed while away I threw her a treat onto the desk. She ate it while I wasn't looking and decided I needed to be investigated...she approached me and put her paws on my legs and you could say the rest is history. She was glued to my side that whole week. It was decided that a foster home would be best for her to decompress and I decided to try giving fostering a try. Boy what a journey it was! It was a slow acclimatization to my household but within a week she started to become comfortable and her true personality shined. She surprised us all by being pregnant and she gave birth at my home with me right next to her. The trust she had for  me was incredible. She was an amazing momma to her three boys who now have found loving homes. Then it was her turn; I was adamant I wasn't going to "foster fail" but alas I couldn't part with her. I made it official on Valentine's day and whole heartedly believe she was meant for me.

If it wasn't for THS who knows what Madonna's fate would have been. This is true for all the animals that come through our doors so please help me reach my goal so we can continue to provide the best care!!