You should never underestimate the transformative power of love. Stella, a gray and white dog found on the streets of Atlanta, Georgia, had suffered unimaginable trauma before her rescue. Her past left her broken, with little faith in humanity. When she was found roaming the streets, she had a heartbreaking bark whenever anyone tried to approach her. But with patience, care, and the right person, Stella’s life took a dramatic turn.
Stella had been cruelly discarded after years of being used for breeding. Once her owner no longer had a need for her, she was abandoned to fend for herself. A neighbor spotted Stella and alerted Animal Control, who rescued her. Sadly, due to her severe trauma, Stella was initially deemed unadoptable and at risk of being euthanized. Her inability to socialize and trust others made it difficult for her to find a home.
That’s when LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta stepped in. The compassionate team at LifeLine refused to give up on Stella. They partnered with Fly With Me Animal Rescue to find her a shelter where she could heal and eventually prepare for a loving home.
Then, a miracle happened. Krista Keough, who had just had an unusual dream, saw a picture of Stella on the rescue’s Instagram the very next morning. “She came into my life because I had a dream one night that I was running on the beach with my sister and her dog, and I looked down to see a gray and white dog,” Krista told GeoBeats Animals.
When Krista met Stella for the first time, it was love at first sight. As Krista knelt down, Stella put her head into Krista’s arms, almost as if saying, “You’re my hooman now!” The two immediately bonded and began their new life together.
At first, Krista focused on helping Stella adjust to her new environment, allowing her time to heal from her past. Stella’s heartbreaking bark would surface when she saw a potential danger, and she acted like a guard dog as she tried to escape the trauma that haunted her. But with time and care, Stella warmed up to Krista’s other dog, Apollo, and the two became inseparable.
Underneath the scars of her past, Stella revealed a playful, enthusiastic spirit, eager to enjoy life. While occasional outbursts reminded Krista of the work ahead, Stella’s transformation is a powerful reminder of the healing power of love.
