A Survivor, A Best Friend, A Blessing
by Michele Tester
One lucky dog. That’s what would come to your mind if you saw Nala with her owner, Pam Ryan of Thurmont. The heartfelt connection and the happiness emanating between animal and human is unmistakable. But to say that Nala was the only lucky one in this story would be a definite understatement. The truth be told, Nala saved Pam just as much as Pam saved Nala.
Pam adopted Nala, a Rottweiler Mix, from an animal shelter seven years ago; Nala was five years old. She was one of the favorites at the shelter, but she had been there several months and they couldn’t seem to find her a home. Pam was told that black dogs seem to be more overlooked, along with the fact that Nala was five years old. People want to adopt puppies or younger dogs and, unfortunately, some unfair stereotypes have been associated with the Rottweiler breed. Pam arrived at the shelter that day and saw that Nala was featured as the “doggie of the day.” On that particular day, the staff had Nala out front in the lobby area—so people would see her immediately when they walked in—trying to find her a home. Pam stopped and petted Nala on the way in, and then went into the back to look at all the dogs.
“I came back out front and then read her story,” Pam said. “It was so very heartbreaking reading about what had happened to her.”
The person who had brought Nala in and dumped her at the shelter had duct taped her mouth closed and beat her very badly. She still had the residue from the duct tape around her mouth. Her previous owner had pulled the duct tape off, taking all her whiskers with it.
“She looked so sad, and I felt her spirit had been broken,” said Pam. Pam found out later that Nala’s previous owner had also fractured her ribs from the beatings.
“I looked at her and began to pet her again, and then she licked my hand…that’s all it took. I adopted her that day,” said Pam.
The staff was so happy that Nala had found a forever home, as she was a wonderful dog who had been badly treated.
Nala had a difficult time at first, acclimating into her new home. She would hang her head as she walked, and when Pam would take her for a ride in her car, she wouldn’t want to get back out of the car when she returned home. Pam believed it was because she was afraid of getting dumped somewhere again. She cowered at everything. If water dripped on the floor from her water bowl, and Pam went to wipe it up, Nala would immediately lay down on the floor and cower, terrified she did something wrong.
Yet, even under the dire circumstances from where she came, Nala’s spirit could not entirely be broken. With Pam’s love, guidance, praise, and unending patience, Nala is today a loving, gentle, secure, and happy dog. You might find her out front with Pam, lounging in the grass, taking in her neighborhood and greeting the neighbors as they walk by, or you may see her walking in her favorite park, Thurmont Community Park. She is obedient and loyal to a fault. When you see Pam, you see Nala. Does she still suffer from certain insecurities resulting from her early dreadful years? Yes. But she knows that she is well cared for and that she is genuinely and truly loved.
Pam expressed that she has had many dogs over the years, but Nala is one of the most loving and giving dogs she has ever had. Pam feels so blessed to have seen Nala that day at the shelter, and is forever grateful that she adopted her. She has been a huge part of Pam’s life.
“I feel that I not only saved her life, but she saved mine. A few months after I adopted Nala, I lost my very best friend—my mom. I feel that Nala and I were meant to be together, and the timing of her coming into my life couldn’t be more profound, like a guardian angel. I gave her the love she deserved, and her love and companionship helped me get through a very sad time. Nala is truly a very special dog.”
If you’re looking for a “new best friend,” consider adopting an animal from a shelter. There is no better feeling than rescuing an animal and giving them the love and life they deserve. You may think you’re saving them, when you may be surprised what they bring to your life.
