Secure Penny's Future with a Safe Yard

As you can see in the photos, Penny’s bravery and resilience shine far brighter than her dark past. Her story is worth telling—not to dwell on what she’s endured, but to help her find the home she so deeply deserves. Penny has come a long way since she first stepped foot into the shelter. From cowering in the corner, utterly frozen, to enjoying daily walks thanks to Color Country manager - and my best friend - Lorelei. Now she’s finally coming home—for good. I will officially adopt her, but there’s one last piece she needs to truly thrive: a secure, fenced-in yard where she can safely enjoy her newfound freedom. I'm raising $1,500 to pay for the materials and labor to provide that space for her on my property. Any extra funds raised will go directly toward a veterinary checkup and behavior support to ensure Penny’s continued health and comfort as she settles into her forever home.

It began in Hanksville, Utah, when a social service worker, while assisting two men in critical health, contacted Color Country Animal Welfare. She reported several dogs in the men’s trailer who would soon be left without caretakers. Our rural rescue team quickly responded, bringing in Penny, her mother Adelina, and five of Penny’s puppies.

When they arrived at the shelter, the fear in their eyes was unmistakable. The puppies, as they tend to do, were adopted in time. But Penny and Adelina clung to each other, trembling in the corners of their kennels, unable or unwilling to engage.

For months, the staff at Color Country—including myself—tried to rekindle the light in their eyes. We transferred them to multiple foster homes with large yards, hoping that space would ease their fear. Still, they cowered when looked at. When the gate to their enclosure shut, they bolted to their igloo. Physical touch was off the table unless absolutely necessary—and we tried our best to avoid it.

Then one day, while feeding Penny and Addie, something changed. Penny gave me play bows. She got the zoomies. I kid you not, it was the first real breakthrough. It was the moment Penny began to understand what safety felt like.

Through it all, Penny had a team behind her, but I like to think I was one of her fiercest advocates. I was hellbent on making sure she wasn’t forgotten.

A year passed. In 2024, Penny started Fluoxetine, lost her mom (who escaped from her enclosure and was never found), and moved into her own “palace” on our 12-acre property. With support from dedicated volunteers, we implemented a behavioral plan that I created in collaboration with Best Friends behaviorist Amanda Farah.

In just a few months, Penny’s transformation was undeniable—eye contact no longer scared her, and zoomies were a daily event. Her sassy, spunky personality began to shine through, and for the first time, I truly felt hope for her future.

If you know anything about me, you know how important my four-legged (sometimes three-legged) friends are to me. They're family members who I love deeply and Penny is no different. When you donate to this cause, or share it on social media, know you're making a HUGE impact on a soul deeply deserving of safety. Once she comes out of her shell at my place, you'll think she's a riot - I promise.