Zahir Goes Home Again
Dec 16, 2024
Six years after being adopted from PAWS, Zahir returned to us when her owner could no longer care for her. Over the next seven months, Zahir stayed in five different foster homes. Then, she met Holly—the person who would change her life forever.
Once a PAWS pet, always a PAWS pet—that's our motto. It means once an animal enters PAWS, no matter what happens next, we promise to give them everything they need to make sure they have a happy, healthy life.
For Zahir, that meant returning to PAWS when her adopter of six years could no longer care for her.
Because Zahir was used to living in a home, she wasn’t a fan of our lively shelter environment, so we got to work finding her foster homes. Thanks to our incredible caretaker network, Zahir spent about six of the next seven months with five different, loving foster families.
Then, something wonderful happened—Holly Van Deursen saw Zahir’s photo online and fate tugged at her heartstrings.
“We found her on Petfinder, then on the PAWS website. We kept checking in on her profile for a few months until we closed on our new condo, then immediately requested to meet her,” says Holly.
Their chemistry was immediate.
“We were looking for an athletic dog who could walk outdoors with us in Chicago and Colorado, who was older, and who likes cats. She is all of that and more—sweet, well-trained, and funny,” says Holly.
Today, Zahir’s adopted name is Zara and she’s head-over-heels in love with her new life.
“Zara is doing great. She loves to jog, sleep, and play fetch with her ball. She also loves people. She has been to doggy daycare a few times and tries to hog all the staff hugs,” says Holly.
Holly is especially grateful to Zara’s foster parents who took such good care of her prior to adoption.
“Jasmine, one of Zara’s foster moms, is so cool. We met Jasmine at a park a few weeks after we adopted Zara, and Zara was thrilled! We hope to see Jasmine again in the New Year,” says Holly.
Zara is now experiencing her first holiday season with her new family, and we’re so happy she’s with people who see all she has to offer.
“Zara is special!” cheers Holly.
Ready to find your own Zara?