Azalea

Aldi and Azalea didn't come to us as blank slates.<br/>They came to us as dogs who had never truly lived. They grew up in a hoarding situation with one individual and almost no interaction with the world. No outings. No new people. No experiences. No socialization. For all intents and purposes, the world was something to hide from, not explore.<br/>When they arrived, they were the closest thing to feral that we've ever seen in our shelter.<br/>Nikki became their anchor. For weeks she sat with them, fed them, talked to them, showed them what gentle hands feel like. From there we slowly widened their circle: other team members, volunteers, other dogs, yard time, the dog park. And day by day, their world got a little bit bigger.<br/>They started at a -10 on the socialization and confidence scale. Today, after three months of committed work, they're at about a 4.<br/>That 4 represents everything they've fought through.<br/>Here's the truth:<br/>▪️ They're dogs' dogs. Other easygoing dogs help them feel safe. They are not bonded with each other but they do appreciate company<br/>▪️They will not walk up to you for pets. Not on day one. You will likely meet them multiple times before they allow true connection.<br/>▪️ Aldi (bluetick) is further along in her confidence; Azalea is still timid but trying every day.<br/>▪️They don't seem to notice cats and would likely be fine in a home with cats.<br/>▪️They're not aggressive. Not once, not even when terrified. They shut down instead of lashing out.<br/>▪️ They have reached as far as they can go in a shelter environment. They need the next chapter to keep growing.<br/>And here's the part that matters most:<br/>They can and will bond to people. We've seen it. They've bonded to Nikki. To Jeff. To Duncan. To the volunteers who have shown them patience.<br/>We know they are a difficult placement. We know most adopters come in hoping for a dog who will run into their arms and choose them in an instant.<br/>That isn't Aldi or Azalea.<br/>But for the right person...someone patient, gentle, steady, and willing to go at their pace, they will become deeply loyal, quietly loving companions.<br/>We are open to transferring them to a rescue better equipped for their needs if it means they get the chance they deserve.<br/>We believe their person might be out there.<br/>Someone who isn't afraid of slow beginnings.<br/>Someone who understands that trust built inch by inch is still trust.<br/>Someone who sees their softness, even underneath the fear.<br/>If that could be you, we're here to walk every step of that journey with you.

Aldi and Azalea didn't come to us as blank slates.
They came to us as dogs who had never truly lived. They grew up in a hoarding situation with one individual and almost no interaction with the world. No outings. No new people. No experiences. No socialization. For all intents and purposes, the world was something to hide from, not explore.
When they arrived, they were the closest thing to feral that we've ever seen in our shelter.
Nikki became their anchor. For weeks she sat with them, fed them, talked to them, showed them what gentle hands feel like. From there we slowly widened their circle: other team members, volunteers, other dogs, yard time, the dog park. And day by day, their world got a little bit bigger.
They started at a -10 on the socialization and confidence scale. Today, after three months of committed work, they're at about a 4.
That 4 represents everything they've fought through.
Here's the truth:
▪️ They're dogs' dogs. Other easygoing dogs help them feel safe. They are not bonded

Aldi and Azalea didn't come to us as blank slates.
They came to us as dogs who had never truly lived. They grew up in a hoarding situation with one individual and almost no interaction with the world. No outings. No new people. No experiences. No socialization. For all intents and purposes, the world was something to hide from, not explore.
When they arrived, they were the closest thing to feral that we've ever seen in our shelter.
Nikki became their anchor. For weeks she sat with them, fed them, talked to them, showed them what gentle hands feel like. From there we slowly widened their circle: other team members, volunteers, other dogs, yard time, the dog park. And day by day, their world got a little bit bigger.
They started at a -10 on the socialization and confidence scale. Today, after three months of committed work, they're at about a 4.
That 4 represents everything they've fought through.
Here's the truth:
▪️ They're dogs' dogs. Other easygoing dogs help them feel safe. They are not bonded with each other but they do appreciate company
▪️They will not walk up to you for pets. Not on day one. You will likely meet them multiple times before they allow true connection.
▪️ Aldi (bluetick) is further along in her confidence; Azalea is still timid but trying every day.
▪️They don't seem to notice cats and would likely be fine in a home with cats.
▪️They're not aggressive.