KIARA

When Kiara arrived, she was frightened.

Not just a little unsure. Really frightened.

Back in March, volunteer Lisa described her as “a long way off going out.” Simply being able to stroke her and put a lead on her was progress.

We don’t know everything that happened in Kiara’s life before she came to us, but from her reactions and behaviour, we strongly believe she has been hit in the past. Sudden movements can still make her skittish, and gaining her trust has taken time, patience and kindness.

But just look at her journey.

By April she managed her first proper outing. She enjoyed it so much she didn’t want to go back into her kennel.

Week by week, her confidence grew. She started walking better, relaxing more and learning that the person holding her lead wasn’t someone to fear.

Then came another milestone…

After her walks, Kiara started deciding that the best place to relax was sitting in her volunteer’s lap!

And today?

Michelle tells us that Kiara absolutely loves her time in the park and is happiest running around and playing with her kennel mate, Diana. She is now walking really well on the lead and is happy to be outside.

In her photos, Kiara is the smaller, shyer girl alongside Diana. And Diana is more than just her kennel mate — having another dog beside her gives Kiara confidence. She walks better with another dog and really seems to take reassurance from canine company.

For that reason, we think Kiara could be wonderfully suited to a home that already has a friendly, confident dog.

Kiara is 4 years old and around 24.5kg. Because sudden movements can still worry her, we feel a calm home with no children or older children would suit her best.

Kiara also has Leishmaniosis. It is not infectious and is managed with an inexpensive daily tablet. Please don’t let that one word make you overlook this lovely girl.

Think about how far she has come.

She has learnt to accept a lead.

She has learnt to enjoy her walks.

She has learnt to play.

She has learnt to trust.

And, perhaps most importantly, she has learnt that human hands can mean cuddles rather than something to fear.

Now she needs to learn what it feels like to be safe in a home of her own.

After everything she has overcome, surely Kiara deserves that chance.

Please share Kiara. Somewhere out there could be exactly the patient, kind person — and perhaps the four-legged friend — she has been waiting for.