Not every dog who comes from the streets can immediately adjust to the comfort of a home.
After spending years surviving harsh conditions, many need time, patience, and understanding before they can trust again. Some start to relax after a few days, while others take months to feel truly safe.
Mazie, the mama dog in this story, needed more patience than most. She had spent much of her life on the cold, unforgiving streets and even gave birth to her litter there. Her transition to a shelter and then to a home would not be an easy one.
Rescuing Mazie And Her Puppies
When NorCal Bully Breed Rescue in Sacramento, California, heard about a mother dog caring for her puppies in a parking lot, they immediately came to help.
Mazie and her eight puppies were safely brought to the Sacramento shelter, where for the first time they didn’t have to worry about finding food or warmth.
Helping Mazie Learn To Trust
Mazie’s puppies quickly adjusted to life in the shelter, and one by one, all eight were adopted into loving homes.
Mazie, however, remained shy and cautious.
“Mazie was a little more reserved, a little slower to come around, a little shyer than most people would like. But once she got to know you, she was your best friend! She just needed someone to give her a chance to feel comfortable enough to show that side of herself,” wrote the shelter in a Facebook post.
The staff arranged several meet-and-greets to help Mazie find her forever family, but none of the potential adopters felt a connection.
Shelter staff reminded visitors that Mazie needed time and patience to adjust. Eventually, one adopter decided to take her home, giving everyone hope, but only three days later, Mazie was returned.
“She was even adopted early on and we were so excited for her!!! But then three days later we got the dreaded email…’I’m so sorry but I need to return Mazie. She’s just not fitting in’,” they said.
That experience left Mazie even more withdrawn. Losing her chance at a home made her fearful once again, and bonding with new people became even harder.
Finding The Perfect Match
Just when it seemed like she might never find her person, a woman named Mary agreed to foster Mazie. She gave her the space and time she needed to rebuild trust.
Months later, the shelter received heartwarming news. A couple named Barbara and Dimitri were looking for a dog to welcome into their home, and Mazie’s profile caught their eye.
“Their application looked absolutely perfect. And when we spoke on the phone, she sounded like a dream come true. She understood that dogs need time and love to feel comfortable in a new home,” they said.
Since moving in with Barbara and Dimitri, Mazie has truly blossomed. She enjoys adventures, affection, and the peaceful rhythm of her new life. The once-timid mama dog is now thriving.
“Barbara and Dimitri – THANK YOU for letting her get to know you on her time and her terms. This is one of our favorite adoption stories of all time. We could not have dreamt a more perfect home for our perfect girl,” the shelter wrote.
Mazie’s story is a beautiful reminder that patience and love can change everything. After all she endured, she finally has the forever home she always deserved.
