Tammy Graves wasn’t expecting what she found during her visit to a North Carolina animal shelter. As the founder of Haley Graves Foundation, she’d seen plenty of heartbreaking cases, but what she saw that day really hit her hard.
In a cold, lonely kennel, a dog named June Cash had curled herself up in a tight ball, completely withdrawn from the world around her. Her head was low and her eyes were empty, as if she’d given up hope.
Cash was one of three Labradors who’d been abandoned at the shelter, and her condition was the most severe. Shelter staff knew little about her past, but the signs were clear – this sweet dog had been through more than any animal should endure.
June was overwhelmed by the unfamiliar sounds and scents of the shelter, so much so that she wouldn’t budge from the corner of her kennel. She stayed frozen, gazing at the wall.
Tammy’s heart broke as she learned from the doctors that Cash had likely been abused. The scars on her body were telling, but even worse was the toll it had taken on her spirit.
She wouldn’t eat unless no one was watching, and her fear of humans was undeniable. Every movement seemed to cause her to retreat further into herself.
Tammy couldn’t leave her there. She’d rescued countless animals before, but something about Cash’s quiet despair touched her deeply. So, with determination, Tammy arranged to get Cash out of the shelter and to a vet.
It was here that they discovered just how dire her situation was. Cash wasn’t only suffering emotionally – she also had a severe heartworm infection that needed immediate attention.
It was a long road ahead, but Tammy was committed to giving this broken dog a chance at recovery.
Cash was still really anxious, but little by little, she started to trust the people who were doing their best to help her, as Tammy shared in an interview:
“She is learning that there are really good people in this world.”
After her treatment, Cash was moved to a foster home where her healing could truly begin. Her foster parents started helping her recover both physically and mentally, and she gradually became more comfortable.
Now, with each passing day, Cash is rediscovering the world around her. She’s been making steady progress and relishing her safe and loving environment.
Cash is now up for adoption, ready for a family who will offer her the care and safety she’s always deserved. Though her past is a sad one, her future holds the promise of a new beginning, one filled with love.
I’m hopeful that Cash will never have to experience anything but happiness from here on out!