Two years ago, Mercedes Trujillo was in college in Utah when she received a text from her stepmother about a dog her sister nearly ran over. The puppy was wearing a name tag that read:
“My name is Lilly. If you find me, please keep me. My family can’t and I need love”
Heartbreaking photos of a scared dog with a label on her collar resonated with Mercedes, and she had a feeling that this dog was exactly what she was looking for.
The next day, Mercedes timed her drive home and learned that she couldn’t let Lilly go elsewhere or her family. We had a chance to talk to Mercedes about how Lilly was saving sheinstead of vice versa.
The first few days with Lilly were quite difficult. Lilly is terrified of men, so aggressiveand is suffering worry.
“Her problems definitely put a lot of stress on my living situation. It’s okay at home because my dad and stepmother know how much I care for her, but the people I live with at school are afraid she’s afraid men will put them in danger, this I understand 100 %.
Lilly will attack them, even if I’m right there. It is not good. So I moved, and drove every day to school, just to be able to keep Lilly. Of course there were thoughts about how things would be easier if I let her go to another house, but I don’t want anything to happen to her that I can’t control.
The hours of driving back and forth took a toll on me, but Lilly was happy for my dad. So I got a letter from my therapist about how she helped me mentally (I’m NOT in a good shape mentally and Lilly is honestly the worst). only kept me around) and the university let her and I move into on-campus housing together. .
That’s when Lilly finally settled down. I live in a two-bedroom apartment owned by the university. We had our own room and then had two roommates who lived in another, but they LOVE Lilly. I kept her in my room when I got to class, but she almost KNOW she couldn’t be thrown out of that space, that it was 100% hers. She didn’t mess around in that apartment at all. She didn’t chew on anything that wasn’t hers or rip through the floor to try to escape.”
While the struggle to find a place where Lilly can feel safe enough to stop causing havoc is tough for Mercedes, she won’t have it any other way.
“It was very difficult to keep moving, especially because I was mentally unstable, but I just clung to Lilly because we were both like black sheep; just a little too different to live in peace with others. Having her and not feeling alone anymore is definitely what gave me the strength to keep looking for places for us. We just connected in a way that I can’t really describe. She understands me and I understand her too.”
Mercedes wanted to help Lilly overcome her fear of men, so she asked her professors’ permission to take Lilly to her mostly male mechanical engineering classes.
“I am quite fortunate that my university is very open to having dogs around. They know that dogs can help so many people, and because the suicide epidemic in Utah is so high, they’re willing to do almost anything within reason to help students. I spoke to the professors privately and most were willing to let Lilly in, as I was in my senior year and class sizes were smaller. They know that I’m trying to fit in with her and respect that. It only took her a few weeks and a lot to make her feel warm to the boys in my class. I think it helps that I tend to hang out with the same guys and they all like dogs, so they proved to her that not all guys are going to hurt. she.
She really has no doubt about men! Once she was quite comfortable on campus and didn’t growl at every man that passed, I started taking her to the dog park. That certainly helped her see that many people like dogs, while also allowing her to socialize with other dogs. “
Now that Lilly has found her comfort zone, she enjoys joining Mercedes for hiking, camping, and running. seaside in their new home in California, especially now that she has a sister, Ayla, a rescue from barking dog became part of the family just a few weeks ago.
“I just adopted Ayla about three weeks ago. I feel so bad because Lilly keeps trying to play with her feline siblings, but they’re older (I have one 18 and two 14), so they just want to hang out. Lilly usually lives with another dog but it’s always someone else’s, so I’m a bit worried that she’ll be jealous of another dog that’s mine. So far, everything has been great! Ayla is starting up really fast. It’s almost easier on her because she’s not aggressive when she’s scared. But I take them to the park every day and just let them do their thing.”
Is there anything Mercedes would change about Lilly being dumped or how hard it is for Lilly to settle into a happy new life?
“I want to say that I do not harbor any bad feelings towards those who abandoned her and who can no longer have us in their homes. I can’t imagine having to make such a decision, but sometimes you have to. I would definitely tell everyone that even if a dog seems like it’s going to be tough at first, it’s worth a shot. I know people get annoyed by super shy dogs, but most of the time, all they need is patience, stability, and love. The rescue dogs are amazing.
I’m so glad Lilly came into my life when she did because I’m not 100% sure I would still be here if she didn’t. “
Since we first shared this post, Lilly’s older sister Ayla has passed away. Even before she spent a year with her new family, Ayla was hit by a passing car.
