Earlier this year, a historic cold front swept across Texas, bringing weeks of dangerously freezing temperatures. While many residents focused on keeping themselves and their families warm, Zuly Ventura Vasquez could think only about the stray dogs left outside with nowhere to escape the bitter cold.
Vasquez and other independent rescuers began driving through the streets, trying to save as many homeless dogs as they could before conditions became unbearable. During one of those rescue missions, Vasquez came across a stray mother dog doing something that immediately broke her heart.
“She was wrapped around her puppy and was extremely skinny,” Tory Shulman, the dog’s foster mom, told The Dodo. “[Vasquez] knew the mama and the puppy didn’t stand a chance in the cold.”
The severely underweight mother was curled tightly around a single white puppy, with his tiny head visible beneath her belly. Vasquez immediately contacted Houston K-911 Rescue, and the organization agreed to take both dogs into their care.
It was obvious that the mother, who was later named Leia, had been doing everything she could to keep her puppy, Luke, alive on the streets. But once they were rescued, they were no longer alone. A photo of Leia protecting Luke spread quickly online, and people from all over the country began wanting to help the pair.
A Colorado organization called Up Pup and Away was deeply touched by the photo of Leia and Luke. They offered to transport the dogs from Texas to Colorado and help them find loving homes.
After receiving heartworm treatment through K-911, Leia and Luke began their journey north. Before long, they met families who would completely change their lives.
Because Luke was old enough to live independently from his mother, the two were placed in separate foster homes in Colorado. Luke’s foster family quickly fell in love with him and soon decided to make him a permanent member of their family.
Leia went to Shulman, who immediately felt the same connection with the resilient dog.
“As I saw the picture, I knew I would be fostering Leia,” Shulman said. “She was shy but incredibly sweet.”
Apartment life was unfamiliar to Leia at first. She needed time to get comfortable with slippery floors, elevators and all the new sounds around her.
With Shulman’s patience and affection, however, Leia slowly conquered those fears. Before long, she was riding elevators “like a pro.”
At the end of each day, she would settle beside Shulman and enjoy some much-needed affection.
“She gained weight and started to ask for belly rubs all the time and loved to sleep,” Shulman said. “It’s almost like she never got any rest in the wild.”
With Shulman’s care, Leia’s personality continued to emerge.
Eventually, Leia needed to move to another foster home while Shulman was away. But the resilient dog adapted surprisingly well to her new surroundings, including an 8-year-old canine sibling.
“After a neutral pack walk, she was fine and kept wanting to play with the other dog,” Shulman said. “She was super comfortable.”
Leia remains in her second foster home while waiting for the forever family she deserves.
Although the right person has not found her yet, she continues to have a loving community supporting her.
“I visit her often, and we go on long hikes with her new foster mom and her dog,” Shulman said. “She is so grateful for a warm home.”
Shulman hopes Leia will soon find a permanent family where she will be understood and accepted, especially as she continues learning how to socialize with other dogs.
Her interactions with other dogs can sometimes be unpredictable, but Leia has a truly special personality. Shulman believes it is only a matter of time before someone falls completely in love with her.
“She is a wonderful dog who will be so lovable,” Shulman said. “She will forever be a protective mama who was saved and will never be cold again.”
