We adopted Keena, one of the GA38 dogs, in May of '19.  Like all the other GA38 adopters, we’ve experienced the ups and downs of showing a frightened, formerly abused dog that she’ll get only love here.  We have both had a number of dogs in the past and have loved them all, but Keena brings out a completely new depth of feelings in us.  She was shy and frightened of everything when we first got her in May, but she was also undergoing heartworm treatment so needed to stay quiet.  Gradually she became accustomed to noises like the icemaker, our sneezes, and all those things we take so for granted.  She’s still leery of outside noises, but is learning to ignore them more and more.  Housebreaking was a bit of a challenge because we didn’t recognize the soft touch with her nose as the signal she needed to go out—our fault, not hers.  But she’s a champ now. She runs up and down stairs with wild abandon, and stays with me most all day in my studio, away from the crate which has been her default safe space.  She’s learning to be frisky and play, and to trust us enough for tummy rubs.  Not having any furry siblings here, Keena has had to learn how to be a happy and relaxed dog from us, but she seems to be progressing in leaps and bounds in the last few weeks.  Her training is going well, and she heels nicely and knows sit, down, and come.  We haven’t started working on stay yet!  Neither of us can imagine our lives without this sweet, gentle girl.  Anyone who can open their homes and hearts to one of the GA38 will have great joy, giving these wonderful dogs the loving home they so richly deserve.