Arrival at the shelter was met with uncertainty as Quarter took his place. This 5-year-old Chihuahua was labeled dangerous due to an alleged biting incident reported by the person who left him at a Los Angeles-area shelter. It’s unfortunate that biting incidents often lead to dogs ending up in shelters and typically results in a bleak future for them.
Quarter’s reputation for aggression and his unease in the chaotic shelter environment made his stay quite challenging. Traci Jean Gallegos-Schuver, the foster and transport coordinator for Little Diva Rescue, mentioned that shelter staff naturally approached handling aggressive dogs with caution during intake. Quarter’s alleged biting of a shelter worker during the intake process resulted in his confinement to a lengthy quarantine period with minimal human interaction, which further decreased his chances of finding a new home.
The quarantine required Quarter to only be released to a rescue organization that was both approved and willing to assume liability through a legal waiver. After completing the necessary paperwork and enduring three weeks of quarantine, Little Diva Rescue was finally able to welcome Quarter into their care.
This was a collective sigh of relief for everyone involved. Quarter, now known as Teddy, underwent a thorough vet check. To everyone’s surprise, Teddy showed no signs of aggression. Gallegos-Schuver exclaimed, “Oh my my, he is simply a misunderstood dog,” a sentiment shared by the veterinarian. Teddy became a temporary resident at Gallegos-Schuver’s home, where he would be fostered for the next three weeks.
However, Teddy still had to overcome the negative reputation that preceded him. One night, Gallegos-Schuver found herself needing to leave Teddy and another dog alone, which sparked some anxiety. Teddy had recently left the shelter, and she worried about how he would react to new people.
Teddy’s chance to rebuild his image came unexpectedly. Word began to spread about a kind and gentle dog in search of a forever home, reaching the right ears. Teddy’s luck changed when a couple from Richmond, Virginia, made the decision to provide him with a permanent home. Thanks to a flight attendant who was a friend of Gallegos-Schuver, Teddy was able to make the journey from California to his new family via cabin flight. During the flight, Teddy charmed several flight attendants, leaving a lasting impression.
Finally, on a Wednesday, Teddy spent his first night with his new forever family, John and Mary. He quickly won their hearts, just as Gallegos-Schuver had described, “He’s so sweet. The rescue worked out perfectly.”
If you would like to support Little Diva in their mission to help more shelter dogs find their happily ever afters, consider making a contribution [insert donation link here].
