When 3-month-old Joan of Arc arrived at Humane Colorado’s San Luis Valley Animal Center this past June, her world had already been turned upside down. She and a few other puppies were found abandoned in a rural area – scared, under-socialized, and in desperate need of care. Soon after, we transferred her to our Leslie A. Malone Center in Denver, where she received medical treatment and a safe place to land. Her recovery was long. Joan battled both ringworm and parvovirus, requiring weeks of quarantine and treatment before she could begin the behavior and socialization programs she needed. Once she recovered, our staff and volunteers gently introduced her to new experiences – soft voices, toys, and the comfort of human touch. Slowly, she began to trust, but her fear still ran deep. Puppies her age are usually adopted in days; Joan waited weeks with little interest. Carolyn wasn’t looking for perfection – she was looking for connection. After losing one of her beloved dogs and suffering a traumatic brain injury that changed her life dramatically, she knew the loneliness of loss all too well. Her other dog, Bruiser, another Humane Colorado alum, was grieving, too. “It was a spiritual thing,” Carolyn says when reflecting on what first drew her to Joan. “Maybe I recognized a desperation in her that I felt in myself. Because for me, I went from being a completely independent person to someone who just doesn’t function very well.” When she decided to adopt, Carolyn told the counselor, “She’s actually saving me because she needs me.” Carolyn and her husband, Doug, renamed Joan to Zahara, meaning “rising” or “dawn” in Hebrew. And rise she did. Within hours of coming home, the once-shy puppy was wagging her tail, leaning into affection, and exploring her new surroundings with courage and curiosity. Today, Carolyn says Zahara feels like she’s always been a part of the family. Her playful energy has brought lightness to the house – from chasing grasshoppers in the yard to wrestling with Bruiser, to curling up beside Carolyn when it’s time to rest. Zahara is also never far from Bruiser, following his lead and learning from him every day. Carolyn says he’s been a huge guide for her, almost like a parent, or in this case, a true big brother. For Carolyn, Zahara has brought more than loving companionship; she’s sparked a renewed sense of purpose. After her injury made it impossible for her to work outside of the home, Carolyn struggled to find a routine, but caring for Zahara has changed that. Their daily walks, feeding times, and training sessions have given her structure again, and watching Zahara’s confidence grow reminds her of her own incredible strength. “She has given us a chance to just get back, you know?” Carolyn says. “Which is something you don’t always get.. you don’t get very many chances like this.” Once a frightened, forgetten puppy, Zahara has grown into a symbol of strength, healing, and unconditional love. For Carolyn, Doug, and Bruiser, she’s proof that even when life takes unexpected turns, love always finds its way home. Your support helps animals like Zahara receive the behavioral support they need in our animal centers, so they can thrive in their new homes. We Take action today and help us build a more humane Colorado for pets and their people. Donate now to make a difference. Share Facebook TikTok Instagram
