In the warm world of the story of Alva, a puppy with microcephaly, the journey from despair to a forever home takes place in a special way. Initially, when Alva found a home and friends at Austin Pets Alive! very happy because they believe she has found her happily ever after.
Alva, with the condition microcephaly, faced motor challenges. While she is in her forever home, Alva rarely leaves the house. Because she was not exposed to new people and new situations, her behavior changed. The puppy was scared and defensive, even trying to bite new people visiting her family.
For that reason, Alva’s family decided to surrender her to the shelter. Shelter staff feared the dog would have difficulty finding a forever home.
Alva is ignored.The dog lies with a toy. Source: Karen Hardwick – The DodoAlva didn’t understand why she found herself at the shelter. She wondered about her parents and why they hadn’t come to pick her up.
Shelter staff began working and training Alva. They give her a lot of love and hope that someone will open their heart to her.
Even though Alva had made progress in her mobility and behavior, she was still overlooked by those who could have been the best foster parents for her. They don’t want to take the time to get to know her.
After 500 days at the shelter, Alva gradually lost faith in finding a forever family.
Love Alva and her fighting spirit. The man sat on a chair next to the barn. Source: Austin Pets Alive! via PEOPLEEverything changed when Joe Rotunda accidentally learned about Alva’s story while scrolling through Instagram. As soon as he saw her photos and videos, he was in awe of love.
“She shines. She has an almost tangible will. I’ve seen all those videos of Alva running, playing and falling down. Every time she falls, she gets up. Every time a challenge appears , she didn’t shy away from it; she overcame it. And I was so inspired,” Rotunda told PEOPLE.
He immediately went to a shelter in Austin, Texas. Alva’s shelter friends told him about her health and anxiety. Rotunda didn’t hesitate and couldn’t wait to meet her.
When Rotunda first met Alva, she was very cautious. Because he was a stranger, she became nervous and even bit him at one point.
Rotunda did not let those obstacles discourage him because he saw Alva show love for his friends at the shelter. Rotunda is determined to do everything to win Alva’s trust and love.
He visits her every day. Every time he spent more time talking to her, he loved her more.
Rotunda promises to never give up on her
He and the shelter’s training team worked to help him gain the puppy’s trust.
Alva realizes Rotunda’s interest in her. The puppy begins to look forward to seeing him every day. Rotunda was happy when Alva started approaching him. She wants to spend more.