Story #43: Love, Loss, and Learning to Let Go
As told by Sue Bozic, Volunteer
Meeting Venus
When I met Venus, she was a shelter dog who was selective with people and other dogs, cautious, carrying a history that asked you to slow down and listen. I signed up for additional training because of her, and I wanted to learn how to work with her.
What I didn’t expect was how quickly she chose me. She accepted me without hesitation. She allowed me to leash her easily. She was teaching me not just what to do, but how to trust. She made me want to keep learning, to understand dog behavior on a deeper level.
Venus’s journey had been hard.
Adopted and returned twice, she had been in the shelter for quite a while. When she was diagnosed with kidney failure, fostering her wasn’t an option for me since I already had a pup at home who was reactive, and it pained me to say no.
Even in her final days, Venus remained gentle and loving.
One afternoon, I sat with her in her kennel, overwhelmed with grief. As I cried, she stood, softly licked my tears, and leaned into me. In that moment, she wasn’t asking me to save her. She was telling me it was okay to let go. She reminded me that while her journey was ending, mine with dogs like her was just beginning.
Anderson Humane allowed me to keep her ashes, and her photo still sits on my desk.
Two years later, I’m still volunteering every week. Time with dogs has become my reward after long workdays. I’ve witnessed beautiful love stories, heartbreaking goodbyes, and quiet moments of trust that feel like miracles.
Venus is always with me in those moments.
Her story reminds me that many dogs are ready to give unconditional love.
They’re not broken or difficult; they just need a chance. If there’s one thing I hope you take away from Venus’s story, please consider fostering a dog. Even a temporary foster home can completely change a dog’s life.
Working with Venus inspired me to learn, grow, and show up fully for dogs who need patience and understanding. Her lessons continue to shape the way I advocate for and care for shelter dogs.
And it all started with Venus.
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