Carmela arrived at the shelter and from the very first moment it was as if she wanted to become invisible, as if she hoped no one would notice her. She was that afraid of everything and everyone around her.
With the other dogs she felt somewhat safer, especially the ones she already knew, since she came to us together with a few of them. Were some of them her siblings? Were any of them her parents? Who knows. And perhaps it does not really matter.
With people, though, she wanted nothing to do. Every time someone approached her, Carmela would move as far away as she possibly could. And this is how time passed for her at the shelter.
We gave her time. The time she needed to adjust. The time she needed before we could gently put a harness on her and take her for a short walk outside the shelter yard. With patience, consistency, and a few treats each time she dared to take a small step forward, something began to change. One day, instead of running to hide when one of her caregivers came into view, Carmela wagged her tail. Then she approached another person and did not run away when he came closer. At some point, one of the caretakers sat down on the ground, and she began bouncing around happily, trying to reach him and lick his face.
Carmela now has real hope, so much hope, to unfold her personality and let all of us see who she truly is. To wag her tail more often. To run toward people instead of away from them.
She is still a very young dog. She has her whole life ahead of her, and she deserves to live it fully, with all the doggy joy inside her. All the playfulness, tenderness, and energy she carries, which until now only a few of us have had the privilege to witness.
We are certain that her bright, sparkling eyes, her slightly crooked front legs, and her proud little walk will capture someone’s heart and give her the chance to truly blossom.
Perhaps that someone lives in a quiet neighborhood, in a calm home with only a few people. Someone patient. Someone consistent. Someone who can see her future and the beautiful potential Carmela has to fully transform into the happy, affectionate little dog she already is deep inside.
