Mia
The term “It takes a village” describes a success that results from multiple peoples’ efforts. One of our most special Happy Tails was Mia’s, which was made possible by the TLC “villagers” who helped during her journey. Mia, who was featured in our 2023 Giving Tuesday campaign, found her family!
At 12 weeks old, just one day before her scheduled euthanasia, Mia was pulled from a crowded shelter by Misty, a TLC rescue partner in Mississippi. “She was literally a shut-down, closed-up shell when I got her,” Misty says, “just barely clinging to life.” Under Misty’s care and protection, Mia recovered, grew, and thrived. Healthy enough to travel in November 2023, Mia’s village expanded as TLC foster Glenda welcomed her in Pennsylvania.
Over the next two months, Mia’s foster family acclimated her to a new life. She began to play with toys and learned from the family’s dog pack, who were happy to share all the perks of being a loved dog. After a few weeks, Glenda remarked, ”Mia is just a normal puppy, and thank goodness for that, because when you think about the turn her life might have otherwise taken if she had not been rescued and nursed back to health. All of her ‘ordinary’ experiences are actually pretty wondrous and extraordinary.”
Mia began to develop confidence in the world around her, but was still apprehensive about new situations. She would attend TLC Meet and Greet events but would quickly shut down, making it hard for potential adopters to see her true personality. She also hated crate training, and refused to walk on a leash; after all, walking to someplace new could mean leaving the safety of the life she had found.
Mia’s village expanded when her foster family was going on vacation and she needed a safe place to land while they were away. Having met Mia at events, TLC volunteer Debbie jumped at the chance to help.
Debbie says, “What started as vacation coverage ended up being one of the most impactful foster experiences I have had so far.” Debbie’s goal was to help Mia work through her crate and leash issues. “Training can be tough but sometimes as a foster you need to be tougher.” With patience, love, and guidance from Debbie’s family and dog pack, Mia made significant progress. She learned walks can be fun, and a crate isn’t so bad after all. “When I took Mia to an event, she was scared but not terrified. I knew she was making progress when she walked around to greet some of the other pups. Then, her forever family came over to meet her and never left her side. It was like it was meant to be.”
Mia, now Margot, is living her best life thanks to everyone who helped her on her journey. Her mom writes, “We love her and can’t get enough of her wiggles and kisses. Thank you to everyone who is responsible for saving this sweet dog.”
To our rescue partners, those who transport our pups, all of our volunteers, and those who support our mission, especially on Giving Tuesday in honor of Mia – thank you for your help in helping us to make “Until they all have a home…” a reality. Thank you for being a part of Mia’s village!
