Entrant's First Name
Arien

Your Pet's Rescue Story
I rescued Nowda in 2016, but our story is truly a “who rescued who” journey. He was found in Apple Valley, CA, with acid burns on his back and hind legs. He was very fearful, and had clearly never been in a home. His rescue was seeking a patient and loving forever home. Meanwhile, I was working on my Master’s degree in Los Angeles, across the country from my family, and seeking an emotional support dog.

When I brought Nowda home, I didn’t know anything about raising a puppy, let alone rehabilitating a dog from an incredibly traumatic experience. I learned fast! He quickly became my shadow and we started training to counter condition his fear of strangers. Since then, he has visited several national parks, moved across the country with me, learned how to make friends with strangers by playing his favorite game - fetch (ball is life), and has earned his novice and intermediate trick dog titles.

I truly believe that I would not be the person I am today if not for this dog. He came into my life during a low and anxious point, and through our training journey, I became more confident, and became a strong advocate for fearful and reactive dogs. I graduated with my degree, and I even started a handcrafted dog collar business inspired by Nowda, which is still going strong today, 7 years later. We have changed each others’ lives and I am so grateful for him everyday.