I cannot even begin to imagine what was running through Imelda’s mind that day.
Placed in a cramped kennel at an overcrowded shelter in Kansas, she must have felt completely alone and terrified.
This two-year-old pup shook nonstop. She pressed herself against the wall, seeking some comfort. All around her, loud, high-pitched sounds from other kennels made it worse.
Imelda’s expression looked like someone had painted her as a deeply, unbearably sad clown. Yes, she was that traumatized.
Before long, this heartbreaking image spread across the country, leaving thousands in tears.
At Risk Of Euthanasia
People were stunned when they saw Imelda in such a dire state. Videos of her quickly circulated online, prompting many to ask about her situation.
The harsh reality was that she was scheduled for euthanasia simply because of her fear, and she had no way to change it.
Fortunately, the story reached Diamonds in the Ruff Rescue team, from Missouri, who immediately stepped in.
“She made herself smaller as someone approached her in the kennel…she backed up to the wall in the kennel as if she was saying, I promise I’m good, I’ll be good, just give me a chance,” they stated in a Facebook post.
After witnessing her condition, the team decided to help her into a loving foster home rather than leaving her in a tiny, stressful kennel.
Within days, Imelda left the shelter and entered a completely new environment. Though still shaken from her past, she clearly felt much better.
A quiet, cozy space helped her relax, but what mattered most was that she finally had all the love focused on her.
She was no longer one of many dogs. She was no longer ignored or neglected. She was now the precious one.
Loved And Loving
Thanks to her foster mom, Stephanie, Imelda quickly learned what it means to feel safe and loved. Stephanie, an experienced dog foster and devoted dog lover, welcomed her with open arms, and Imelda responded with gratitude.
She bonded with her new dog siblings and became the sweetheart of the home. Despite her past trauma, she showed remarkable manners, including going potty outside and sleeping through the night without a sound.
“She’s good with kids and other dogs. She sleeps In her crate all night without a peep, no accidents in the crate.. she whines and paces the house when she needs to go outside, not food aggressive with either humans or dogs,” Stephanie stated in a Facebook post.
It became clear that all Imelda needed was a safe space where she could feel at home. Now, she has transformed beautifully into a confident, happy dog.
Seeing her now, Stephanie can hardly believe she was once slated for euthanasia just because she was fearful.
“She is definitely coming around. To think she was on the Euth list for “fear”.. NO REASON. Look at her bloom..her tail wags and she seems happy,” Stepahnie wrote on Facebook.
Currently, Imelda is still searching for her forever home. She is a loving dog who could thrive in any household, though she prefers families with children over ten.
Hopefully, her future humans are just around the corner, ready to welcome her.