By Kevin Smith
“A shelter is not a place for dogs,” remarked Shira Scott Astrof to The Dodo, reflecting on her recent adoption of another puppy. As the CEO of A.R.M. (Animal Rescue Mission) with a long history of successful rescues, she described this particular adoption as deeply special and emotional.
The story begins in a Los Angeles animal shelter, where a frightened rescue dog named Chloe waited anxiously in her corner. Despite her sad demeanor, Chloe avoided making eye contact with anyone. Shira understood immediately that she faced a challenging but important mission ahead.
Bringing Chole into the Light of Day
“If she had stayed any longer in that dark corner of the shelter, she would have completely shut down,” Shira declared passionately.
Recognizing the urgency, Shira saw the need to act swiftly to save Chole, a frightened rescue dog who had withdrawn into herself at the shelter. Shira believed Darvish, a cheerful and compassionate young man, could help bring Chole out of her shell.
The next day, Shira, Darvish, and their A.R.M. partners arrived to rescue Chole from her lonely corner. “Darvish and I walked her out, but she didn’t want to walk because she was so scared,” Shira recounted. Chole seemed reluctant to leave, almost as if she doubted there was a world beyond her corner of isolation.
With patience and teamwork, they eventually coaxed Chole into the car, beginning her journey to a new, loving home.
One Hell Of A Ride
The journey through the streets of Los Angeles was an emotional roller coaster for Chole and Shira alike, lasting about an hour.
After spending a long time in a dark and miserable corner, the car ride proved overwhelming for Chole. Darvish noted that she was so distressed in the back seat that Shira had to sit beside her to comfort her.
It was during this time that the true magic began to unfold—Chole started to show genuine affection towards her human friend. Though still somewhat shy, it was a heartwarming moment.
“There were moments where you could see they know they’re safe, but they just need a little more time to fully believe it,” Shira remarked, highlighting the gradual process of rebuilding trust for dogs like Chole.
Upon arriving at their destination, Chole was hesitant to leave the car, overwhelmed by the rapid changes and emotions she had experienced. Despite her fears, she found solace with her rescuer.
It wasn’t an easy journey, but as Shira believed, stepping out of one’s comfort zone is necessary to embrace the next chapter of life. With courage, Chole took her first step out of the car and entered the house where her new life awaited.
From the Corner of Pain to the Moment of True Love and Happiness
It was clear that Chole hadn’t yet healed from the pain she endured in the shelter corners. Now in her new home, she chose another corner to prepare for her next chapter.
Shira knew Darvish was perfect for Chole. His compassion and patience were evident as he understood their journey would be slow but worthwhile. So, he allowed Chole to settle into her chosen corner on the first day.
“On the third day or so, I started sitting down next to her, and she began eating from my hand, showing she was slowly warming up to me,” Darvish recalled.
True change came on the fifth day when Chole no longer wanted to be apart from her newfound friend. She shadowed him, anticipating his return home, and gazed at him with deep love and gratitude, as only a dog’s bond can convey.
“They truly are soulmates and inseparable,” Shira concluded, a tear of happiness and pride in her eye for having created something truly special.
In heartwarming scenes captured on video, Chole and Darvish exemplify the transformative power of patience, compassion, and love in rescuing and rehabilitating animals like Chole.
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