Leah Finds Love
Apr 10, 2024
Like many dogs, Leah was not a fan of shelter life. It made her anxious, which deterred some adopters. But not Angela Boomsma. “The animals in shelters are stressed...who they are outside of the shelter is often different, and better,” says Angela. Her perspective changed Leah’s life.
For the first few years of her life, Leah bounced around a whole lot. Found as a stray in Louisiana, she was then transferred to PAWS Chicago where she stayed in two different foster homes before adoption. Just one month later, her adopter was unexpectedly hospitalized, and she returned to PAWS.
Over the next year, Leah stayed in four different foster homes while she searched for the right person. Like many dogs, Leah was not a fan of shelter life. She couldn’t help being anxious at our Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center, which deterred some adopters. But not Angela Boomsma.
“I saw her on the website and read how well she was house trained and how she was good at being home alone, even liked it! I work in healthcare, so this was great,” says Angela, “Then, I met her in person at PAWS Chicago and started off fostering.”
Leah was in our “Foster First” program, which meant Angela could take her home with the full support of PAWS resources while they got to know each other.
“I was able to talk with several staff members at PAWS to learn more about her personality. It was great to get feedback from those who cared for her and even fostered her,” explains Angela.
Setting boundaries and consistent schedules helped Leah feel safe and cared for. And after a couple of weeks getting their routine down, Angela happily made the adoption official.
“It has always been on my heart to rescue and help those, humans and dogs, that need it most. After hearing about her past, I couldn't get it out of my head or heart to not have her as part of my family,” says Angela.
Along with her adoption, Leah now has a new, adopted name.
“I changed her name, well extended her name, to Deliah. Pronounced ‘Deel-Leah.’ It comes from the Greek name, Delia, meaning ‘often overlooked and forgotten about.’ It also means ‘dark.’ I thought this was a perfect way to adapt her name and honor not only her dark coloring but also her past,” says Angela.
Now settled in, Leah is getting the chance to be the best version of herself.
“She is a snuggle bug who loves her beds and blankets. She loves visits from her extended family and is getting known around the neighborhood. We've even started running together. And she enjoys the large squirrel population outside her front windows,” says Angela
All in all, Angela can’t say enough good things about her new best friend.
“She is very comfy and cozy, literally. I love how smart she is. She has picked up on new directions and commands very quickly. She remembers things and people well. And she shows more and more of her sweet personality every day!” says Angela.
Ready to find your Leah?