Sometimes, all it takes to save a life is a little bit of space and a lot of heart. Roxy, a dog surrendered to a high-kill shelter, was once considered “unadoptable” due to her extreme fear. Today, her life is a breathtaking adventure in the mountains of Colorado.
Abandoned and Broken
Roxy’s journey began with a heartbreaking betrayal. Her previous family surrendered her to a shelter simply because their landlord threatened eviction. The rejection left Roxy shattered. When Divia, the founder of the nonprofit Frail Endings, first met her, Roxy was so terrified that she flinched at a simple attempt to pet her.
Because of her intense fear, Roxy was placed on the euthanasia list. She had only one week left to live before the shelter planned to put her down.
The Moment She Finally Breathed
Divia refused to let Roxy’s story end in a kennel. She returned with a rescue plan, but the breakthrough didn’t happen through force—it happened through stillness. In the shelter’s play yard, Divia simply laid down on the ground to give Roxy space.
Slowly, Roxy crept forward and laid her head on Divia’s chest, letting out a deep, exhausted sigh. It was the first time in a long time that she felt safe enough to let her guard down.
(Illustrative Image: Roxy now enjoys a life of freedom and joy.)
A New Beginning in Colorado
The transformation was immediate once Roxy left the stressful shelter environment. Within hours, she was running and playing with other dogs in her foster home. Her true personality—vibrant and smiling—finally began to shine through.
Her story eventually reached a family in Colorado who knew she was the perfect fit. To ensure she stayed calm and safe, her new owners drove her all the way from California to Colorado in a rental car—a two-day journey to her forever home.
Today, Roxy lives the life she always deserved:
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Hiking through majestic mountains.
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Playing joyfully in the snow.
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Soaking up endless love from a family that will never give up on her.
A Lesson in Compassion
Roxy’s story is a powerful reminder that “terrified” does not mean “broken.” With patience and understanding, even the most traumatized animals can heal. As Divia observed, once Roxy realized she was safe, she could finally breathe again.