We all love a good comeback story. We feel for what a tale's hero went through in their past, and we are inspired by how they defied stacked odds to make a better future for themselves. Enter Missy, the heroine of this particular story and our little overcomer. She's young and has been through much, but her sweet spirit remains intact. While experiences have left her afraid of the world around her, she's still courageously curious about it so long as we give her the space to explore things for herself.  

We are working hard to rebuild her trust in people and have received some help from a place we did not expect: our personal pup, Gracie Mae. From the moment we met Missy, it was clear she was far more comfortable around our dog than us, and in the time that we've had her, we've relied heavily on Gracie Mae's presence to coax Missy out of her safe space for walks. She is immensely more confident around another dog, and we are able to pet her and even get puppy kisses from her if Gracie is close by. For this reason, we are looking for a home with another dog that can help show Missy the ropes of happy family life. 

Missy is still putting on weight, adjusting to gentle pets, and learning that we aren't all bad. But she'll get there. She's come so far, and we just know she's going to blossom into a beautifully confident furlady to rival even the very best of German Shepherd society. 

*A special expression of gratitude to the man who first rescued Missy, helped her put on much needed weight and recover from her injuries, and began the important healing process of the unique and precious bond that ought to exist between human and dog. You made a difference.

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Update 3/7: Missy wagged her tail! And did I smile like a fool when it happened? Yes. Yes, I did. It took several days and the happy motion was directed at K9 Gracie Mae, but the tail wags!

Update 3/12: Missy has a grass-activated alter ego that is carefree and goofy, just as she should be. Add a little bit of lawn, and she spins, she hops, she rolls. She's happy. :) 

Update 3/16: Despite being so scared at the vet today, Missy let the medical staff do everything they needed. They were extra gentle because of her history, and they encouraged her along every step of the way. Unfortunately, the exam did reveal that she has heartworm and Ehrlichia (a tick-borne disease), so she’s now being treated for both. 

Update 4/1: We now get consistent tail wags and snuggles from Missy, but these precious displays of happiness have only been extended to those of us living in the home. Greeting strangers is still difficult for her, regardless of whether they are visiting with us at home or out in public.

Update 4/3: This little lady is finally comfortable enough with us to start some basic obedience training. We've only been at it for a few days, but she's catching onto "down" quickly. 

Update 4/6: Missy gets carsick more often than not. The gentleman who originally rescued her did not have this issue, and he took her on several out of state adventures. She would curl up on his truck's floor boards and go to sleep. We drive a much smaller vehicle, so the vet believes Missy just feels the road more in our car. This is easily fixed with a cheap medication administered a couple hours before traveling. We have had some success avoiding a mess without medication if we are careful to accelerate and decelerate slowly and to avoid winding roads. 

Update 4/24: As Missy has learned to trust us completely, we in turn have learned how unbelievably quirky she is. From throwing toys to herself to stopping on every walk for an extended stretching session in the grass, she has become the puppy she never got the chance to be. We love it.