As humans, we often use these scars to protect ourselves from further pain and shield us from the unknown. However, by allowing our scars to define us, we are held back, deprived of the ability to truly be happy.

But what if we didn’t allow our to wounds paralyze us? What if we looked at our past hurts as stepping stones and as encouragement to seek out a better life? Rather than allowing our hearts to be filled with hurt or hate, what if we chose to forgive?

When Eldad Hagar found Cadence, it was clear that she had been abused for most of her life; as her body was riddled with wounds and scars in different stages of healing. Many of us would look at what Cadence had been through and when imagining ourselves in her place, we can’t fathom ever getting over the horrors of her past.

But unlike most humans, Cadence allowed herself to be vulnerable. She recognized the comforting touch from a stranger and without hesitation, she took a chance that this stranger would bring her the love and happiness that she had never felt before. It is because she opened her heart to the unknown and let go of her past that Cadence is now living a life full of joy and love.

As rescuers, we see this time and time again: Dogs who have been abused, abandoned, or forgotten and seem broken in every way- trust the hand of rescuer, thus rising up from the ashes, learning to love again.

Why is it easier for our canine friends to forgive and why do believe that we can’t? Well… Maybe it is that these dog rescue stories give us hope that we will know how to accept the second chances we long for. Or maybe dogs are destined to teach us how to live.