When rescuers discovered a pregnant dog named Zia wandering through the neighborhood, they quickly brought her to a shelter.
Her body, marked with scars, was a testament to the hardships she had endured while living on the streets. Despite the noisy and stressful environment of the shelter—not an ideal place for her to give birth—Zia remained grateful and full of trust.
For the first time in a long while, Zia felt secure, no longer at the mercy of the harsh streets. She placed her trust in the people around her, confident that they would provide the help and care she desperately needed.
Grateful for Love and Care
In February 2019, Fresno Bully Rescue in California rescued the soon-to-be-mother Zia from the shelter. She was then welcomed into the loving home of a foster mom, Noelani, who immediately began caring for her.
From the moment Zia moved in, she radiated gratitude and relief. She couldn’t stop showering Noelani with kisses, licking her face to express her appreciation.
Noelani was deeply touched by Zia’s affectionate nature.
“…She remains loving and trusting. She squeezes her head in your armpit seeking comfort and friendship,” Noelani shared on Facebook.
To ensure Zia felt comfortable and safe, Noelani gave her a calming bath and prepared a cozy whelping box.
Just five days later, Zia gave birth to four beautiful puppies, lovingly named Zoie, Zeus, Zorro, and Zaina. Throughout the process, Noelani was right by her side, offering unwavering support and love.
Though Zia was tired, she felt immense relief and joy knowing her puppies were all healthy and thriving.
After nursing her puppies, Zia watched them drift off to sleep in her embrace, content and peaceful. She devoted herself entirely to caring for her little ones, proving to be an extraordinary mother.
Day by day, the puppies grew stronger and healthier, their personalities beginning to shine as they explored the world around them. Zia found immense joy in seeing her babies thrive and embrace their puppyhood in a safe, loving environment.
The little family loved spending time outdoors, running freely in the fields and relishing the feeling of soft grass beneath their paws. Those moments were filled with pure happiness and boundless energy.
Finding the Unconditional Love Every Dog Deserves
When the puppies were ready, each found a forever home with families eager to shower them with love and care.
Meanwhile, Zia remained with Noelani, patiently waiting for her turn to find the happiness she so deserved. Her wait, however, was short-lived, as Zia soon received the wonderful news she had been dreaming of: her forever home was ready to welcome her.
A loving family discovered Zia through her foster mom’s Instagram, and it was love at first sight. In May 2019, Zia moved to San Francisco to start a new chapter with her forever family. Her dream of a safe, loving home had finally come true.
Her new parents, along with their little ones, showered Zia with endless affection. Liz, Zia’s mom, frequently shared updates on Instagram, showing the world how much Zia loved cuddling with her family and basking in their love.
In December 2019, Zia faced a tough battle when she was diagnosed with cancer. However, her fighting spirit shone through as she underwent surgery and became cancer-free. After her recovery, Zia returned to her joyful, loving life as if nothing had happened.
In January 2024, Zia’s family shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram: their beloved dog had crossed the rainbow bridge. Despite their sadness, they expressed gratitude for the incredible years they spent together and promised to cherish her memory forever.
“Impossible to fit our years with Z into a minute. What a sweet, special dog. Fly high, our Zizi girl. Thank you so much for the memories. We’ll love you forever,” Liz wrote, a heartfelt tribute to the dog who brought so much love and joy into their lives.
