When a sweet pup named Noel arrived at Lucky Dog after being rescued from Florence County Environmental Services, she was in a tough spot.

Not only was she incredibly shy and frightened by her new surroundings, but she was also very pregnant.

Fortunately, the shelter prioritized placing pregnant pups in foster homes because a kennel isn’t the best place for little ones to thrive. So, when a loving home became available, Noel eagerly embarked on a journey to begin a new chapter in her life.

But, as it turned out, her path was much more challenging than anyone expected.

A Journey Through Hardships

Noel welcomed a healthy and happy litter of puppies, lovingly caring for them until each one grew up and found a forever home. While it broke her heart to see them go, she took comfort in knowing they were off to loving families.

However, the journey was not as smooth for this sweet mama.

Finding a loving home for herself proved challenging, as she often felt uneasy around new people. Fortunately, the Florence shelter stepped in, connecting her with a long-term foster home filled with incredible humans dedicated to helping her regain her confidence.

After some time, Noel found her way to the loving home of Irene Marquez, an animal rescuer with 18 years of experience helping dogs in need. But when Irene first met the timid pup, she immediately sensed that Noel required some extra love and care.

“She was transported to me, and we had to carry her into the house. As soon as we arrived, she darted straight into her crate, curling up in the farthest corner and staying there for 18 long hours. It was absolutely heartbreaking,” Marquez shared with People.

Taking It Slow

While it took time and plenty of patience, Marquez’s dedication paid off beautifully.

“It took her three days to venture out of the crate and peek into my family room. She hesitated at first, just glancing around before retreating into her safe space. But then, she began to do that every day,” Marquez shared.

Slowly but surely, Noel began to blossom. Marquez noticed that she started to enjoy long walks, her confidence growing with each step. Yet, the moment that truly warmed Marquez’s heart was when she saw how much Noel loved helping care for the foster puppies.

While in her loving care, Noel blossomed into a nurturing mama for over two dozen adorable foster puppies.

“It didn’t matter what size; as long as they were puppies, she welcomed them with open paws. She let them do whatever they wanted to her,” Marquez shared, a smile spreading across her face.

But it wasn’t just the puppies who benefited from their time together. Marquez knew that these little furballs were instrumental in helping Noel find her confidence. They encouraged her to relax and rediscover her playful spirit, allowing her to tap into her inner puppy and embrace the joy of being a dog again.

As Noel blossomed into a loving, happy pup, she began to catch the eye of those around her. It wasn’t long before Joe Capra and Valerie Smith saw her, and at that moment, they knew she was the one for them!

“We spotted her and immediately reached out to Lucky Dog. When we learned she’d been in foster care for three years, we thought, ‘No more of that,” Capra shared, emphasizing their determination to give Noel the forever home she truly deserved.

A New Beginning

With excitement in their hearts, the couple headed straight to the pet store, eager to gather all the essentials for their new furry friend.

When Noel first encountered her new humans, she was a bundle of uncertainty, unsure of what to make of this new situation. However, it didn’t take long for her to find her cozy spot on the couch, a little haven where she could begin to feel safe.

“I believe it’s crucial to meet any dog exactly where they are,” Smith reflects. “When we first met Noel, she was incredibly shy and rarely let us pet her. Building trust takes time, but if you’re willing to invest that time into nurturing a relationship, the rewards are truly special.”

As Noel spent more time with the couple, she began to understand that they were the ones she had been waiting for all along.

After 1,263 long days at the shelter, searching for a place to call her own, this sweet girl finally discovered the loving home she truly deserved.