2 years ago today I adopted a severely fearful rescue. Almost gave up at 6 months. Sharing her progress for anyone who needs it.

Two years ago I brought home Maple, a 2-year-old hound mix who had spent her whole life in a rural shelter. She had never been in a house, never been on a leash, never been around normal human life. For the first two weeks she hid behind the couch 23 hours a day and wouldn't eat if I was in the same room.

At 6 months I had a real conversation with myself about whether I was the right home for her. She still flinched at sudden movements, still wouldn't make eye contact, still hadn't let me pet her without backing away. I posted here actually asking if I was doing something wrong. The comments that time basically told me to be patient and give her more time, and I'm so glad I listened.

Today she greeted me at the door when I got home. She brings me her toys. She sleeps pressed against my legs on the couch. Last week she initiated play with my older dog for the first time, and I actually cried in my kitchen watching them run around together. She is not the same dog and I am not the same person.

If you're in the 6-month trenches with a fearful rescue and it feels like nothing is working - hang on. They're in there. Maple was always Maple, she just needed time to believe she was safe enough to come out.