A healthy, joyful pup named Hera came racing over to greet us at Alyssa’s home, her tail wagging wildly and doggy kisses flying. She radiated happiness, clearly loved and thriving. Alyssa tried to calm her with treats, but Hera’s excitement was unstoppable and totally contagious.
It’s hard to believe that just a year ago, Hera was still waiting for her forever family at the СѼƵ County Animal Center. Alyssa Pezzella, who had been following the Center’s Instagram page for a while, came across Hera’s photo and instantly felt a spark.
“There was something about her,” Alyssa said. “She stole my heart through the screen. I sent the photo to my boyfriend and asked what he thought. He replied immediately: ‘Let’s get her.’ It just felt meant to be.”
At the time, Hera was living with a foster family. Alyssa reached out that same day and met her in person the next. Hera greeted them with her signature joyful energy, and all doubts disappeared. “She’s our dog,” Alyssa remembers thinking. “It was just so clear.”
Hera happened to be undergoing treatment for heartworms at the time, but it didn’t stop them.
“Her foster mom explained it really well, and we did our research and learned it’s very treatable,” Alyssa said. “The Center had already started her treatment, and she had a sponsorship that helped with the rest. A few months of medication and two procedures later, she was officially heartworm-free.”
Today, Hera is the heart of their home. “She’s truly our baby,” Alyssa said. “I wanted to be the perfect first-time dog mom and do everything by the book, such as strict feeding schedules, only certain treats, but now? She gets what she wants. She’s my perfect girl.”
It took time for Hera to fully settle in. At first, she was anxious and always following them around, almost like she was trying to earn their love. “We kept telling her, ‘You’re home now. You’re safe. We’re not going anywhere.’”
And now? Hera’s living her best life, soaking up love, belly rubs and sunshine. As an elementary school teacher, Alyssa often tells her students stories about Hera and that’s when things got even more fun.
“One of my colleagues has a dog named Zeus,” she laughed. “Now my students are obsessed. They keep saying Hera and Zeus should get married. Honestly, the name fits her. She’s strong, graceful and full of personality, as a total goddess.”
And like any goddess worth her name, Hera has brought magic into their lives.
“I knew dogs could bring love,” Alyssa said, “but I didn’t know it would feel like this. She calms me, makes me laugh and brings me so much joy. Adopting Hera changed everything. She’s not just a pet, she’s family.”
