Shelby is a rescue. I met Shelby on the side of Hwy 31 in the rain on January 30th, 2025. I would usually drive past any stray dog but something told me to stop for Shelby. She was obviously starving, and in very poor condition wondering aimlessly, most likely looking for her next meal. I gave Shelby my leftovers from lunch but otherwise she wanted nothing to do with me. She would not come near me and any sudden movement caused a low growl. I waited with her in the rain for about 25 minutes before I gave up and had to go home. Fast forward to February 2nd, 2025 I’m on my way home from school once again and I noticed Shelby on the side of hwy 31 in the same spot. I pulled over to sit with her some more only to be greeted with a tail wag and surprisingly some head scratches. Shelby remembered me and that little sandwich from three days prior. After coaxing her to get in my car for about 20 minutes she decided to give me a chance. We went home, went to the vet only to be told that Shelby has heart worms but is otherwise a healthy dog for her circumstance. It is suspected that she was locked up by previous owners and not well cared for. In the short time that I’ve had Shelby her attitude has changed to happiness and she hates to see me leave. She greets everyone with a tail wag instead of a growl. Shelby is finally starting to see the better side of humanity now. With the devastating diagnosis I knew that I could not stop advocating for Shelby and her right to a better life.