Name: Nala - 2 y/o
How long has Nala been in the family? 1 year this past May
Family Members: Clayton & Shauna
Professions: Shauna is a hairstylist and owner of Bettie Monroe Salon. Clayton is an Account Coordinator for Nixon Energy Solutions.
Location: Winder, GA
Nicknames: Nala Bear, Chickens Nala (don't ask there is no rationale)
5 words/phrases that best describe Nala?
- Brilliant
- Bed Hog
- Snuggle Monster
- Crybaby
- Sunbathing Beauty Queen
What makes Nala unique? There has only been one time she has ever been destructive to anything that wasn't a toy of hers. Clayton, while on a call for work one weekend, decided that it would be a good idea to go to a car show in Helen, GA. late one Saturday evening with some friends from out of town. Unfortunately, being on a call left him with a work issue to take care of before he could hit the road. His friends stood outside for about an hour while Nala whined at the back door for the guests' attention while Mom & Dad were upstairs. The people outside ignored her whimpers so she decided to chew on the blinds at the door. She has free reign of the house and we never find anything out of place other then her toys, besides that one time!
This girl loves her soccer!
Rescue Story: From what we were told by her foster; when Nala was rescued in Norcross after following some joggers, she was found with a wound on the top of her head and extremely emaciated. Both of which have since been attributed to abuse. Paws & Stars Rescue were contacted by the Humane Society and gave Nala a second lease on life. She spent a month at the vet hooked to IV's and then transferred to her foster where she continued to gain strength and size. 4 months later she was finally ready to find her forever home. After rejecting at least one couple before us she accepted us as Mom & Dad instantaneously. I think she new we were going to spoil her.
Nala's before picture...
What is your favorite pastime as a family? Clayton is a huge soccer fan and plays in an adult soccer league locally. Luckily, Nala also loves soccer. The two play keep-away in the backyard until one of them is too tired to continue.
What is life like since you rescued Nala? Aside from encouraging a more active lifestyle, the two of us aren't sure if we ever want kids, (Nala is smarter and listens better then any baby) she offers fulfillment and a love unlike any other.
For her, we'd like to think as much as we spoil her with food, play time, snuggles, BarkBoxes, truck rides and the such, life is much better when you are not living on the streets.
Photographers Note: As I mentioned on the two other posts that took place that weekend, it was a hot one; for people and dogs. Upon arriving at Shauna, Clayton, and Nala's home I was greeted exuberantly at the door by Nala. In fact, she was so excited to have a guest that we had to have a short sit down while she calmed down a bit. This involved a frozen Coke can with a treat inside. (not a real can, a dog toy which I believe was one of Bark Box deliveries) Then the fun began, Nala did not let the heat bother her. She showed off her soccer skills with her Dad and I was able to get some great shots of her playing. Now when it came to the actual posing for pictures; it was so hot, so she was panting and maybe this was the cause of her eyes being closed in almost all of her photos - like 90%. (above as an example) When I edit these photos, it's usually the humans I need to look for closed eyes, but this time it was all Nala. Personally I think she was just smiling so hard that her eyes closed...I mean she couldn't help it. Even with her eyes closed, it's an expression of pure joy, love and happiness; and totally adorable.
When I was getting ready to leave, she actually stood in front of the door to block my exit. Which just made me so happy, she didn't want her new buddy to leave!