Have you ever misread a dog based on just one encounter? Was it a fearful bark, a tail tucked between their legs, or a simple silence to your “Hey buddy” that made you think: “Wow, this isn’t a friendly dog?”
Unfortunately, many novice owners make this mistake and give up too soon. As a result, their adoptees are returned to shelters and often labeled as unwanted, undesirable, or even potentially aggressive dogs.
Freya, a three-legged Pennsylvania pup, is a firsthand example. And, her life was just coming to an end due to one such misunderstanding…
Adopted And Abandoned
When Freya first arrived at the shelter, she was in so much pain. She suffered from chronic dislocation of her shoulder, causing her unbearable pain.
Her only option was amputation, and Freya continued her shelter life as a three-legged dog. Eventually, she was adopted into a loving home, but her misery didn’t end there.
Freya’s pain, shelter stress, and desperate need for love were misunderstood as aggression by her new family. She was returned a week later with a bite report. The owners told the shelter Freya bit a woman, which is why she was put on the euthanasia list.
Enter Chris Thomas!
This Pennsylvania care technician who worked at the shelter at the time was shocked when he heard about Freya’s situation. Working with her, he knew she wasn’t an aggressive dog, which is why he decided to do something about it.
Chris only had three days before Freya was to be euthanized so he acted quickly. Even though he already owned eight adult cats, he made room for one more furry creature in his home and brought Freya home.
“I knew the moment I saw her. I just thought it was impossible. Then they said it was either home with me or she was going to be euthanized. I will never ever regret that decision,” Chris wrote on TikTok.
Chris’ decision was firm, despite being questioned by the shelter staff. Everyone told him that adopting Freya was a lost cause – but in just a few weeks, he proved them wrong!
Freya showed an incredibly friendly attitude toward her new siblings. She particularly bonded with Oliver, a disabled cat, to whom she showed remarkable understanding. In a way, Freya became her protector and a nanny and was a gentle giant who took care of her.
Then, another “surprise” unfolded!
Freya, who was also deemed aggressive toward other dogs and people – made human and furry friends in a park on a daily basis. That’s right! There were no signs of her being aggressive or violent whatsoever.
She was rather a social butterfly who craved outings and meeting new people (and dogs). Freya was not unfriendly. She was just misunderstood!
From this perspective, Chris knew putting his new three-legged family member to eternal sleep would be a huge mistake.
As it turned out, Freya just needed time and someone who would understand her and that was about it.
Freya, A Three-Legged Wonder
Sure, life with Freya comes with challenges, according to Chris. Despite her sweet personality, she is still mischievous at times, does zoomies around the house, and makes occasional messes. But, Chris doesn’t mind – at all!
He knows Freya will eventually get there. She just needs a lot of training and patience.
“Ten years from now I doubt I’m going to care much about those shoes or that ugly old couch. Know what I’ll miss tho? Lucky charms on the kitchen floor with my friend Freya,” Chris concluded in another TikTok post.
One thing is for sure: Freya is definitely a three-legged wonder! She lives her new life as if she’s not missing a leg at all, runs like every other dog, and enjoys her little adventures to the fullest.
She’s definitely taken her second chance at life and does not intend to slow down any time soon!