Amora’s journey
It has now been one month since Amora left the hospital after surviving a severe case of parvovirus. She is currently in foster care with one of our volunteers and is slowly beginning the process of socialisation.
Before her hospital stay, Amora was already a timid dog. She would curl up in her corner, avoiding people and unable to accept touch. This behaviour is linked to her early environment: Amora and her siblings were raised in a setting with very limited human interaction. As a result, socialisation never took place.
These dogs came to us after being kept with little contact and without routine care. Several unplanned litters had occurred, and a group of seven very timid dogs was surrendered to the shelter.
Their arrival coincided with a period when parvovirus was circulating in the region, and the two youngest, Amy and Amora, fell ill not long after reaching safety. Despite the best efforts of the veterinary team, Amy did not survive. Amora spent more than a week hospitalised and is now recovering in a calm foster home, where she is slowly gaining confidence.
Bonnie’s story
Another example of a dog needing patience and guidance is Bonnie, a medium-sized female born in August 2023. Bonnie was born on the streets of Portelas, where her mother lived for many years and was fed by local residents. She was rescued in January 2024 and brought to the shelter.
Like Amora, Bonnie had little early contact with people, which left her shy and unsure of the world. She feels more confident around other dogs, who give her a sense of security. With time, our volunteers have managed to take her for short walks, something she now enjoys. Bonnie would benefit from a calm home where she can continue to progress.
How you can help
Dogs like Amora and Bonnie need more than a safe place to sleep — they need time, understanding, and the chance to adapt to a home environment. Foster families play an essential role in this process, helping shy dogs learn to trust at their own pace.
We are seeking foster families to support dogs who need socialisation and stability. If you can offer a temporary home and help a dog take important steps toward confidence, we would be grateful.
Your support makes a real difference.
