Man Visits Shelter Daily For Two Months To Win The Love Of A Shy Pup
A frightened shelter dog had nearly given up on trusting people—until one kind man changed everything.
Determined to help the scared pup heal, he visited the shelter every day, patiently teaching her what love and kindness felt like.
Alva’s Struggles At The Shelter
When Alva first arrived at Austin Pets Alive!, the shelter staff was hopeful she’d find her forever home. But things didn’t go as planned.
Alva has cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition affecting her movement and causing mobility issues.
Source: The Dodo
When Alva arrived at her new home, she didn’t get to go outside much. Without meeting new people or experiencing different situations, she started to change. She became nervous and defensive, even snapping at visitors.
Because of this, her family decided to return her to the shelter. The staff was heartbroken, worried that Alva might struggle to find a loving home again.
Source: PEOPLE
As time passed, Alva struggled to understand why she was abandoned again. She stopped believing she would ever find a loving home.
The shelter staff tried their best to help her, providing training and care, but Alva continued to be overlooked by potential adopters.
After 500 days at the shelter, it seemed like Alva was losing hope.
Joe Rotunda Finds Inspiration In Alva’s Resilience
Everything changed when Joe Rotunda saw Alva’s story online. Her resilience and spirit immediately moved him.
Source: PEOPLE
“I saw all these videos of Alva running, playing, and falling down. And every time she fell, she pulled herself back up. Every time a challenge presented itself, she did not go around it; she went over it. And I was very inspired,” Rotunda shared with People.
Joe knew he had to meet her. He visited the shelter and, despite Alva’s anxious reactions, he didn’t give up.
Source: @adopted_alva
“I just looked at her and said, ‘I bet everyone has given up on you. I’m not going to do that to you,’” Rotunda shared.
Rotunda visited Alva every day, working with the shelter staff to build her trust.
Slowly, Alva began to trust him, eagerly looking forward to their daily sessions.
Alva’s New Home And Happy Ending
When Joe decided to take Alva home for a sleepover, he made sure his home was completely dog-friendly. He gave her space and safety, knowing that she needed time to adjust.
Source: PEOPLE
Alva’s new home was the haven she had been waiting for. She quickly bonded with her dog sibling, Max, and they became inseparable.
Rotunda’s love and patience transformed Alva. She is now a happy, confident dog, and she couldn’t be more grateful to the man who never gave up on her.
