She transformed from being very scared and sad to the happiest dog around.
Heaven, the dog in this story, is truly remarkable. When she was first rescued from the Kentucky River Area Animal Shelter, she was a frightened little girl. Now, Heaven is the most delightful Home Depot “employee,” and we’re excited to share her journey.
Jackie Rackers adopted Heaven, and she shared with The Dodo how their trips to Home Depot helped turn a scared puppy into a joyful dog.
“Home Depot visits started as a way to help her overcome her fears,” Rackers told The Dodo. “She was scared of new places and sounds, so we’d go for just five minutes, and she’d get all the treats. Gradually, we stayed longer, exposing her to more and more things in the store.”
Home Depot offers plenty of interesting sights and smells for dogs, and Heaven clearly enjoys these trips as a chance to come out of her shell.
Heaven blossomed during her visits to Home Depot.
Heaven behaved so well during their visits that she even got her own apron.
“I keep it in the car so we’re always ready,” Rackers said. “As soon as she realizes we’re pulling into the parking lot, she starts shaking with excitement until I put the apron on her, and then she’s ready to ‘work.'”
“She walks around like she owns the place,” Rackers added.
Heaven has become a beloved presence at Home Depot.
Heaven’s trips to Home Depot have made her a favorite among the store employees. Everyone knows her name, and her photo is proudly displayed in the employee break room.
Heaven has found her place in the store.
She makes it a point to meet new people during her visits, especially those who seem to need her attention.
Heaven loves bringing joy to others.
She has a knack for finding people who could use a laugh, a smile, or a warm heart.
“She goes about her business and then insists on meeting someone,” Rackers explained. “She just sits there and stares at them. People often comment on how much they needed a boost. It’s as if she knows who needs a little love that day — and one of her favorite places to spread that love is Home Depot!”
Rackers added that Heaven’s desire to make others happy might stem from her own past sadness.
“She was terrified of everything, but with a lot of practice and patience, she learned to trust. Now, it’s like she’s paying it forward,” Rackers said. “She goes out of her way to find people who need her and offers them a smile and a hug.”
One of the most rewarding parts of rescuing an animal is watching them transform from scared and sad to happy and full of life. Their joy is a direct result of your care, and it brings immense satisfaction. Jackie Rackers understands this, having seen her own dog, Heaven, go through this transformation.
“She’s a testament to what can happen when you meet someone where they are and love them unconditionally,” Rackers concluded. “She went from being scared and sad to being the happiest dog.”
Heaven is adored by everyone.
Her adventures are chronicled on a popular Instagram account, “Heaven Is A Dog,” which has over 8,000 followers.
Please share Heaven’s story with your friends!