By Kevin Smith
When Alva initially found a home, her friends at Austin Pets Alive! rejoiced, hoping she had found her perfect match.
Alva, diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia—a neurological condition affecting movement—settled into her new home. However, she didn’t get outside enough and lacked exposure to new people and situations. This led to behavioral changes, causing her to become fearful and defensive, even attempting to bite visitors.
Regrettably, Alva’s family made the difficult decision to surrender her back to the shelter. The shelter staff were heartbroken, concerned that finding another forever home would be challenging for her.
Alva Kept Getting Overlooked Despite Her Remarkable Qualities
Alva found herself bewildered at the shelter, wondering why her parents hadn’t returned for her.
Shelter staff dedicated themselves to training Alva and showered her with love, hopeful that someone would see her potential.
Despite making significant progress in mobility and behavior, Alva continued to be overlooked by potential adopters who weren’t willing to spend time getting to know her.
After an agonizing 500 days at the shelter, Alva began to lose hope that she would ever find a forever family.
Falling in Love with Alva and Her Resilient Fighting Spirit
Joe Rotunda’s life took a significant turn when he stumbled upon Alva’s story on Instagram. Captivated by her photos and videos, he was deeply moved by her resilience and fighting spirit.
“She shined. She had this almost palpable determination. I watched all these videos of Alva running, playing, and overcoming challenges. Every time she fell, she picked herself right back up. When faced with obstacles, she didn’t avoid them; she conquered them. It was incredibly inspiring,” Rotunda shared with PEOPLE.
Driven by this admiration, Rotunda wasted no time and promptly visited the shelter in Austin, Texas, where Alva was staying. Despite being informed about her health condition and anxiety, Rotunda was undeterred and eagerly anticipated meeting her.
Upon their first encounter, Alva was cautious and anxious around Rotunda, a stranger to her, leading her to snap at him. However, Rotunda remained determined. Witnessing Alva’s affectionate nature towards shelter staff fueled his resolve to earn her trust and affection.
Rotunda made it a routine to visit Alva daily. As he spent more time talking to her and showing his care, his love for her only grew stronger.
Rotunda Promises to Persist in Supporting Her
It was a heartwarming moment,” Rotunda shared with Austin Pets Alive!. Working closely with the rescue’s training team, he gradually earned the pup’s trust.
Alva soon recognized Rotunda’s care and began eagerly anticipating their daily encounters. Rotunda was thrilled when Alva started approaching him, eager to spend more time together.
Deciding to foster Alva at his home in Austin, Texas, Rotunda prepared a safe haven for her. He set up a spacious area in his living room with multiple kennels for her comfort, ensuring all surfaces were soft and safe for her to move around freely.
Finding Alva’s Perfect Forever Home
After Joe Rotunda made his home Alva-friendly, he welcomed the pup into his life. Alva immediately felt at ease, sensing she had found her forever home. She was joyful and relaxed.
The next morning, Alva greeted Rotunda with enthusiastic tail wagging, signaling her readiness to settle in.
Alva’s presence brought immense joy to Rotunda’s household. She had only needed someone to believe in her, and Rotunda was grateful he had from the beginning.
Alva and Max, her new doggy sibling, formed a fast bond and became inseparable best friends, often enjoying peaceful naps together.
Joe Rotunda’s affection for Alva helped her overcome the anxieties and fears that once burdened her. Now, she adores her dad and expresses her love by showering him with kisses.
Conclusion
Alva has transformed into a new dog, embracing her new life with boundless joy and a constant smile.
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