There are dogs who never had the luxury of being naive. Dogs who grew up on the streets, relying on instinct to survive. Krista is one of them.
For years she lived on her own, responsible for herself. Finding food, water, and a place to sleep. Looking for shade in the summer and warmth in the winter. It’s not that she chose this life. It’s that she never really had a choice.
We found Krista sick. Her body was exhausted, her skin badly affected, and she was suffering from leishmaniasis. As a patient, she was exceptional. Calm, cooperative, and resilient. She completed her treatment successfully, recovered fully, and then came to the shelter.
Krista is a low-key dog. Quiet, gentle, and thoughtful. She understands a lot, knows how a walk works, feels comfortable on leash, and adapts easily to routine. Her past has taught her self-sufficiency, and she will never ask for more than she truly needs.
She also has a habit we absolutely love. Once a day, she takes what we call her victory lap around the shelter, running past the kennels with confidence, as if she’s shouting, “I’m Krista, and I’m doing well.” And she has every right to be. She earned it.
She may need some time to open up in a new home, and at first she might feel hesitant in a busy neighborhood with traffic, people, and noise. But she will manage. She gets along well with other dogs, and while her personality is calm, she is confident and grounded around other animals.
Krista is looking for someone who understands what it means to live with a dog who learned to stand on her own. A dog like this values deeply everything you give her.