Niya arrived at the Gibson County Animal Shelter in Tennessee in 2016. She had been horribly abused by her previous owner so she was shy and nervous around people. But she was about to be shown how good life can be.

Her previous owners had used a can to muzzle her leaving scars on her face. She had a gash above her eye and tested positive for heartworms and whipworms. She was in pretty bad shape. Luckily, Kimberley Slown, the founder of Arrow Dog Rescue in Illinois had heard about Niya and decided she was going to get her from the shelter.

Niya was so scared when Kimberley arrived to get her that she wouldn’t even walk to the car. Kimberley had to carry the 47-pound dog to the car. When they reached Kimberley’s house, Niya curled up in one corner and went to sleep. She stayed in that corner all day and all night, refusing to move.

Kimberley knew that Niya needed time to adjust, so they just let her lay there and get used to things. On the second night in the house, Niya finally got up. She seemed to realize that she was safe finally and with people who wanted to love and care for her.

In the middle of the night, Niya walked into Kimberley’s bedroom and pressed her nose into Kimberley’s hand. She woke up to see Niya’s big blue eyes staring back at her. Kimberley began petting her and talking to her and a few minutes later Niya went back to her bed.

A few hours later, Niya returned and did the same thing. Kimberley says it was overwhelming and her heart melted knowing that Niya was finally getting more comfortable in her house. Kimberley was originally going to adopt Niya out, but after seeing how happy she was in her own home, she decided to keep her.

Niya joined Kimberley’s two other dogs, Chet and Charlotte, and they have become great friends. It’s been two years since Niya joined their family and she is doing amazing. Kimberley says she loves cuddling on the couch and watching television, and she loves to take long, leisurely naps on her bed.

She’s changed so much from the scared pup when Kimberley first got her. She’s  now a loving animal with a happy home and it shows in the smiles and wagging tail. If you agree that this is a heart-warming story and more animals deserve to have loving, happy homes, share this story with your friends and family.