Alva arrived at Austin Pets Alive! with cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition that affects coordination and balance. Although she found a loving family once, she rarely ventured outside her home. Consequently, she lacked socialization and became anxious around visitors, often snapping out of fear. Ultimately, her family surrendered her back to the shelter, leaving Alva confused and heartbroken.
Overlooked and Alone
Back behind kennel bars, Alva wondered where her family had gone. Despite her mobility challenges, she trained diligently with shelter staff, improving both her confidence and behavior. However, potential adopters still hesitated—Alva remained too nervous and defensive. After more than 500 days of gentle care and training, she lost hope of ever finding her forever home.
A Hero’s Discovery
Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas, software engineer Joe Rotunda stumbled upon Alva’s Instagram story. He watched videos of her playing, stumbling, and bravely pulling herself back up each time. Inspired by her resilience, Joe drove straight to the shelter. Upon arrival, he learned about Alva’s condition and anxiety. Undeterred, he knelt at her kennel and spoke softly, determined to earn her trust.
Earning Trust One Visit at a Time
Initially, Alva greeted Joe’s attention with cautious snaps. Nevertheless, Joe returned day after day, carrying treats and speaking calmly. Gradually, Alva associated his visits with safety and kindness. As a result, she wagged her tail more often and even approached him for pets. By working with Austin Pets Alive!’s training staff, Joe learned how to support Alva’s needs and reinforce positive behaviors.
Creating a Safe Space
After weeks of visits, Joe invited Alva for a sleepover at his home. He transformed his living room into a dog-friendly haven—soundproofing hard edges, arranging multiple soft kennels, and stocking chew toys. When Alva explored her new environment, she discovered that home could feel safe and predictable. That night, she curled up peacefully, free from the constant stress of shelter life.
Alva’s Perfect Forever Home
The next morning, Alva bounded to Joe with unmistakable joy and trust. Recognizing that she had found her forever family, Joe completed the adoption process on the spot. Since then, Alva and her new canine brother Max have become inseparable. They nap together, romp in the yard, and Alva showers Joe with affection each day.
A New Beginning
Today, Alva thrives in her forever home. She navigates the world with confidence, loves daily walks, and greets new faces with curiosity rather than fear. Joe’s unwavering dedication taught Alva that humans can be kind and dependable. Moreover, her transformation inspires shelter volunteers and potential adopters to believe that every dog deserves a chance, no matter how long it takes.
Lessons from Alva’s Journey
Alva’s story illustrates the power of patience, consistency, and compassion:
- Show Up: Regular visits build trust one gentle moment at a time.
- Create Safety: Adapting a home environment to a dog’s needs reduces fear and promotes exploration.
- Celebrate Resilience: Recognizing small victories encourages continued growth and healing.
Ultimately, Alva proves that love can conquer fear. By believing in a dog’s potential, we can rewrite stories of loneliness into tales of joy and belonging.
