We say all roads lead to NEPA, but this pup’s story begins in the ocean in Turkey. On this week’s 16 To the Rescue we met Ayla, who was excited to build our space.
LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Adopt a Boxer Rescue dog Karen Schimelfenig says it best when it comes to bouncy boxer Ayla. “You’re getting love.”
This beautiful puppy is energetic, sweet and even outgoing.
At just 4 years old and she has a lot to tell, Ayla was born as a nomad more than 5,000 miles away in Turkey, then she was rescued and eventually connected to Adopt a Boxer Rescue in the USA.
Ayla now lives with a foster family in Lackawanna County. Not only was she born a stray dog, Ayla was also hearing impaired. While this never slowed her down, in fact her intelligence and determination really shined.
Since arriving at her foster home in February, Ayla has learned some simple signs. Somehow, with the help of her adoptive mother.
“She is hearing impaired. But some people don’t believe me when I say that. Because she has learned our own little commands that we do well. I think sometimes she listens better than a dog can hear,” Schimelfenig said.
It’s hard to get a home that Ayla refuses to live in. Her adoptive mom says she gets along well with everyone she’s met so far. At 53 pounds, Ayla sometimes doesn’t know how big she is. And with her energy, it’s probably best in a home with older children. So they understood her boundaries. The rescuers thought she might get along with the other dogs in the house since she lived with a dog pack in Turkey. She was never near a house cat. So they weren’t sure she had a cat sibling.
Rescuers had no idea how a sick puppy like Ayla hadn’t been picked up yet. She seems to have all the qualities a loving home needs. She is exciting, intuitive and playful.
Schimelfenig said: “She was the whole set. She is a good walking dog on a leash. He was in the car well, well-mannered,” Schimelfenig said.
Schimelfenig said parenting was a rewarding experience for both her and the dogs she cared for. She said more foster families and volunteers are still needed in the area. If you can’t adopt now, she’ll miss Ayla when she goes to live in her forever home. But knowing that she would really make every family happy. And nothing was more exciting than Ayla finding the right match.
If you want to learn more about Ayla, her adoption information is here.
Adopt a Boxer Rescue also offers volunteer and foster opportunities. If you are interested in finding out more about them. You can find that information here.
Check out more pet and animal stories on WNEP’s YouTube playlist.