Every so often, a moment occurs in an animal rescue that reaffirms why we do what we do—why we fight for the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves. For Kimberley Slown, that moment came on a quiet Sunday night.
Kimberley, the founder of Arrow Dog Rescue, had just brought home Niya, a dog rescued from the Gibson County Animal Shelter in Trenton, Tennessee. Niya’s journey was one of hardship and abandonment. Her previous owner had left her to fend for herself, and by the time she arrived at the shelter, she was emotionally and physically broken.
A Dog in Need: The Silent Suffering of Niya
When Kimberley first laid eyes on Niya, the signs of abuse were painfully evident. A deep gash above Niya’s eye indicated she had been struck with some sort of tool, and a similar wound on her nose suggested that someone had cruelly used a makeshift muzzle, most likely a can. These injuries were just the external scars of a dog who had clearly endured more than any living being should.
But it wasn’t just her body that was broken. Niya had emotionally shut down. Her tail was tucked between her legs, and she was too frightened to move. The shelter staff had to gently lift her, all 47 pounds of her, and carry her to the car. Niya, once abandoned and betrayed, had lost all trust in the world.
A Night of Silence and Healing
After arriving at Kimberley’s home, Niya spent the first 24 hours completely withdrawn, sleeping in a corner, exhausted from her ordeal. Kimberley and her wife Terri quietly let her be, knowing that healing would take time. But on the second night, something extraordinary happened—a breakthrough moment that would change everything.
As Kimberley slept, a warm, soft breath brushed against her hand, dangling from the side of the bed. Niya, still tentative but driven by a need for comfort, had pressed her face into Kimberley’s hand. The simple act was a profound gesture of trust. Niya had come to her, acknowledging the love and safety she had so long been denied.
“I woke up and immediately paid attention to her, petting her and talking to her,” Kimberley shared. “She smiled and leaned in.”
The next few hours brought more moments of connection. Niya returned to her bed after the first interaction, but later that night, she repeated the gesture—warm breath, soft nudge. Kimberley was overwhelmed, moved to tears.
“It was so overwhelming. I was crying,” Kimberley recalls. “She was thanking me in her own way. And I could feel it.”
New Beginnings: Niya’s Recovery and Joyful Moments
Despite battling medical issues like hookworms and whipworms, Niya’s spirit began to shine through in the days that followed. Little by little, she started to enjoy the comforts of her new life—things she had never experienced before.
There was the moment when Niya smiled on her way back from the veterinarian, her face lighting up as she realized she was in safe hands. And then there was the moment she finally settled into her very own bed, the first real bed she had ever known.
But perhaps the most heartwarming moment came when Niya’s tail flickered with joy after realizing she was surrounded by friends—people who would love her, protect her, and give her the life she deserved.
A Future Full of Love and Hope
Niya’s recovery is still ongoing, but she is already proving to be a little miracle. She will be ready for adoption in a few months, and her story serves as a reminder of how much love and patience it takes to heal a dog like Niya. But if her first few days in a real home are any indication, she’s got so many more beautiful moments to share.
You can follow Niya’s journey through Arrow Dog Rescue and vote for her in their annual calendar contest. And if you’re moved by her story, consider making a donation to Arrow Dog Rescue to help continue their mission of saving dogs like Niya.
