Leia

I'm tired of writing about resilience.<br/>About dogs who survive the unthinkable and still choose to love us.<br/>About how they're "so forgiving," "so gentle," "so grateful."<br/>It shouldn't take tragedy to remind us that dogs are good.<br/>They were always good.<br/>They were always meant to be cherished.<br/>Leia's ten now - a 50-pound Black Lab mix with silver on her muzzle and eyes that know too much.<br/>She came to us, along with Tanner and Luke, after her person passed away.<br/>When she arrived, she was malnourished, crawling with fleas, so anemic she could barely stand.<br/>And somehow, she rallied.<br/>She greets every person with quiet joy.<br/>She leans in for back scratches.<br/>She takes slow, thoughtful walks and naps deeply, as if peace itself is a new discovery.<br/>I want to say it's inspiring.<br/>But really, it's heartbreaking because it shouldn't take survival to make a dog worth noticing.<br/>If you're reading this, you already understand.<br/>You know the world doesn't change through grand gestures, but through small mercies, repeated often.<br/>Help a friend who's struggling to care for their pet.<br/>Use your voice or keyboard to speak up for rescue, for spay/neuter, for prevention and compassion.<br/>Volunteer if you can. Donate if you're able.<br/>Or come meet Leia. Let her remind you what grace looks like. Be her hero.<br/>Animal Aid Society is located at 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, VA.<br/>Visiting hours are 9am to noon, including weekends and holidays.<br/>Interested? Come for a visit any day of the week - 365 days a year between 9am - 12pm. Hope to see you soon!<br/><br/>PLEASE NOTE: Animal Aid Society observes a 40 mile adoption radius to facilitate post adoption support and follow ups.

I'm tired of writing about resilience.
About dogs who survive the unthinkable and still choose to love us.
About how they're "so forgiving," "so gentle," "so grateful."
It shouldn't take tragedy to remind us that dogs are good.
They were always good.
They were always meant to be cherished.
Leia's ten now - a 50-pound Black Lab mix with silver on her muzzle and eyes that know too much.
She came to us, along with Tanner and Luke, after her person passed away.
When she arrived, she was malnourished, crawling with fleas, so anemic she could barely stand.
And somehow, she rallied.
She greets every person with quiet joy.
She leans in for back scratches.
She takes slow, thoughtful walks and naps deeply, as if peace itself is a new discovery.
I want to say it's inspiring.
But really, it's heartbreaking because it shouldn't take survival to make a dog worth noticing.
If you're reading this, you already understand.
You know the world doesn't change through grand gestures,

I'm tired of writing about resilience.
About dogs who survive the unthinkable and still choose to love us.
About how they're "so forgiving," "so gentle," "so grateful."
It shouldn't take tragedy to remind us that dogs are good.
They were always good.
They were always meant to be cherished.
Leia's ten now - a 50-pound Black Lab mix with silver on her muzzle and eyes that know too much.
She came to us, along with Tanner and Luke, after her person passed away.
When she arrived, she was malnourished, crawling with fleas, so anemic she could barely stand.
And somehow, she rallied.
She greets every person with quiet joy.
She leans in for back scratches.
She takes slow, thoughtful walks and naps deeply, as if peace itself is a new discovery.
I want to say it's inspiring.
But really, it's heartbreaking because it shouldn't take survival to make a dog worth noticing.
If you're reading this, you already understand.
You know the world doesn't change through grand gestures, but through small mercies, repeated often.
Help a friend who's struggling to care for their pet.
Use your voice or keyboard to speak up for rescue, for spay/neuter, for prevention and compassion.
Volunteer if you can. Donate if you're able.
Or come meet Leia. Let her remind you what grace looks like. Be her hero.
Animal Aid Society is located at 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, V