Journey

We want to share this incredible transformation with you…

Journey was found standing in the middle of a busy highway in South Carolina, with cars speeding all around her. A mere 5lbs when she was rescued, the Good Samaritan who stopped to help her wasn’t certain she was even a dog. She was emaciated and dehydrated, her fur was matted and infested, and every bone was protruding from her tiny body. She was close to death, and had this kind-hearted person not stopped to help, her story would have ended very differently. Considering the condition she was in, you have to wonder how she got there, and how many people let her down along the way.

Amazingly, her rescuer knew one of our SC volunteers who contacted our team for help. Journey was taken immediately to the animal hospital who did an incredible job saving her. She was put on IV fluids and antibiotics, and for more than a week we didn’t know whether she would make it. Over many, many visits to the vet and lots of tests, she pulled through. Journey was only 3 years old with an amazing spirit, but she had endured more in her short life than any dog should ever have to.

Thankfully, Journey also had an incredible foster mom, Linda, who was committed to her rehabilitation over the three months in her care. In the beginning, she would wake up in the middle of the night to feed her small meals to help her regain some strength, and accompanied her on many trips to the vet. We learned that Journey is diabetic and requires insulin shots twice a day, and has very limited vision as a result of the diabetes. She could make out shadows, and learned the layout of her home, but also responded to the warmth of her foster mom’s voice, wagging her tail with enthusiasm to greet her. Because of Linda’s dedication, Journey stabilized, gained back 7 pounds, and with a new, velvety fur coat, looked like the sassy Shih Tzu she was born to be.

Fast forward a few months, after many vet visits and lots of TLC, and Journey had become a new dog! We got her diabetes stabilized, she continued to gain weight and grow stronger, and she transitioned seamlessly into her new foster home in Arlington. Her foster mom, Leah, adored her and described her as a joyful, sweet dog who could roll with the punches. She fit in so easily with her foster pack that we knew it would be hard for Leah to part with her, so we had to find just the right home.

We spoke with many adopters who were interested in Journey, but none who were ready to take on her care, which included 2 insulin shots a day and regular monitoring of her glucose levels. Then, along came the Chu family. They were taken by Journey’s story and wanted to give her a great life, and not only did they have an excellent schedule, they also have a relative who’s a nursing student living in their home. He was confident about taking over Journey’s care and teaching the family members, which really put Leah at ease.

Journey is already settling into her new home, and immediately went on a shopping adventure to get a new bed, crate, and toys. New mom, Tammy, is planning to take her to a vision specialist to see if they can help improve her sight. Journey is only 3 years old and has a long, happy life ahead of her.

We are thankful to Journey’s amazing fosters, Leah and Linda, who helped her recover and transition to home life, and to the Chu family for taking in a medical needs pup and giving her the life she deserves.