Layla’s Story

“I first met Layla in December 2024, when she was returned to the Animal Defense League’s Paul Jolly location—after spending seven years in a home.

I walked her almost every morning and quickly fell in love with her sweet, gentle spirit. But it was clear that Layla had endured a painful past, including abuse from both people and other dogs. Her fear and nervousness made it difficult for her to connect with potential adopters, and it seemed like she might get overlooked.

My family and I started considering fostering her. We weren’t sure how she’d do with our 14-year-old bulldog, so we arranged a few walks near the shelter to see how they got along. A few weeks later, in January 2025, Layla came home with us as our Embark Foster dog.

That first car ride showed us just how scared she really was. And once we were home, everyday things continued to overwhelm her—noisy neighbor kids, visitors, the doggie door, bug zappers, the vacuum… her fear list was long.

We set her up with a safe, cozy space in the house—her spot—and she immediately gravitated to it. It took three days before she felt safe enough to eat, but that small moment was the start of her learning to trust us.

Over time, with patience and help from our calm and confident bulldog, Layla began to come out of her shell. A few months in, she was using the doggie door on her own and chasing squirrels in the yard. She never had an accident in the house and picked up on household routines quickly. Eventually, her safe space wasn’t needed anymore, and she and our dog began sharing the whole home together—sometimes even snuggling in the same bed.

Now, she loves car rides—especially when they end with a walk in the park or a dog-friendly brunch. She’s still shy around new people, but where she once shrank away from any touch, she now warms up more quickly. It’s sweet to watch her follow our dog’s lead—wherever our pup goes, Layla follows close behind, ready for attention and love.

We’re still helping her build confidence. It’s a journey. But every step is so worth it—watching her discover joy, explore the world, and lean into the love she deserves.”

– As told by Layla’s foster, ADL Volunteer, Cristiane.

Layla is still looking for her forever family.
If you have a calm home, a little patience, and a big heart, she just might be the perfect companion for you.
🐾 Interested in meeting Layla? Contact the EmBark team here.