As hard as it can be on humans, shelters are no place for a pooch to while away the days — and life on the streets is much worse. Unfortunately, many dogs are left waiting for their forever home in these situations. One of these dogs is Butterfly, who suffered more in her formative years than any pup ever needs to.
After being bred over and over again and living on the streets as a stray for several years, Butterfly eventually came to a shelter in Chicago. On top of that, she was in the shelter for more than 500 days when her life changed by 180 degrees.
She Became A Butterfly After All
Butterfly was approximately five years old and 17 pounds overweight when she arrived at the shelter, suffering from debilitating anxiety. Another unseen issue that the shelter staff missed in the beginning
Trying to adjust after being in a kennel for over a year, and having health issues, was rough on this strong girl, but she did what dogs do best. Can you believe it took 553 days? —her luck finally changed. At that time, Sue Naiden was the president of the Trio Animal Foundation (TAF), and when she heard about Butterflies circumstances, she spoiled her into a foster home herself.
Sue said to in the Newsweek, “When people hear about a dog that has been at the shelter for any length of time they assume there is something wrong with it.
Bringing Butterfly home was one of the best things you could have done! Butterfly began to fully enjoy her new life after receiving different treatments and dental surgery. She was ecstatic when Sue walked her and she loved playing with other dogs, especially the therapy dog team at TAF who came by to help with her acclimation.
Most importantly, Butterly and Sue became soul mates. Naiden said, “Butterfly was a bit unique in a way. However, the most shocking discovery for Sue was that Butterfly is deaf.
Blessing in Her Inability
In a Facebook post, the Trio Animal Foundation said: ‘We’ve recently learned that Butterfly is quite deaf or nearly deaf. That you can get right behind her, make a clatter and she still does not turn around.
It became obvious soon after that Butterfly was not merely a hearin lassie — she was totally deaf. Then it all came together — including why she remained so chill when other dogs were barking up a storm.
Yet instead of a challenge, Sue saw an opportunity. In a way, Butterfly’s deafness may be what puts her in the right direction to start transforming for the better. Because of this “gift”, Butterfly joined TAF’s therapy dog team and believe it or not – likely the most successful one.
Her new position is to assist with the smaller dogs that have lost some confidence. But if a small dog is intimidated by Butterfly’s size, Naiden said they would be better off in a home without small dogs.
Her rock-solid calmness in situations where other dogs would panic or become aggressive made her ideal for testing the temper of big dogs into cat houses. Her inability to hear barking worked in her advantage in allowing her to remain calm during stressful moments.
Naiden said, “Her calm can diffuse most situations.
The happiest news, however, deservedly went to Butterfly while she finally received her forever home. When Sue adopted her officially, that cemented their amazing bond and gave this special pooch her best life.
Butterfly cannot hear, but she has all that she needs in the world — well almost … and especially the love from those around her. And today, this incredible girl listens with her heart.
