Watch the Moment I Tell Valentina She’s a ‘Good Girl’ One Last Time
This is a major update on Valentina and many of the other dogs I’ve been sitting with. This might just be one of my favorite puppy episodes ever. Valentina alone—finding her just barely hanging on to life, her rehabilitation, her transformation—it’s something you have to see. So grab your Flip Coffee, get comfy, and get ready for some heartwarming adoption stories.
BRUNO
Backstory
Bruno came into the shelter as a nervous, shut-down German Shepherd. He had been found as a stray, wandering near a property listed for sale. When animal control picked him up, it was clear he had been abandoned—his collar was so tight it had left lacerations, and his coat was dirty and flea-ridden. Despite his past, he was incredibly gentle, just overwhelmed with fear.
When I first sat with him, he was hesitant but curious. He was underweight, and it was clear he had gone a long time without proper care. Over time, we worked on building trust through treats and positive affirmations. Naming him was the first big moment—when I called him ‘Bruno,’ he perked up just slightly, the first glimpse of hope shining through.
Pupdate
Bruno’s journey took a big turn when he was adopted by Ellen and Dennis, who drove out to meet him after watching his story. It wasn’t an instant transformation—when they first brought him home, it took him 30 minutes just to step out of the car. But with patience and love, Bruno adjusted. He now enjoys long walks, playful moments in the backyard, and endless snuggles. His new family adores him, and seeing him go from fearful to joyful proves how much time and care can change a dog’s life.
DIXIE
Backstory
Dixie, a young Australian Cattle Dog mix, was surrendered by her owner from a reservation, simply because they had too many dogs. She had been in the shelter for nearly two weeks, and despite staff efforts, she remained frozen in fear. Her tail curled tightly around her, her big, cartoon-like eyes filled with worry—it was heartbreaking.
When I sat with her, the small movements of progress were monumental. The first time she reached forward to take a treat was a major victory. She had been paired with a high-energy kennel mate in hopes of pulling her out of her shell, but her anxiety persisted. She needed a special kind of home—one with patience and understanding.
Pupdate
Enter Ryan and Amber, a couple who had been considering getting a second dog. When they saw Dixie’s story, they knew she was meant to be part of their family. The adjustment period was slow, but Dixie eventually began bonding with her new sibling, Roxy. Now, she plays nonstop, zooming around the yard with a newfound confidence. She still has moments of anxiety, but her family is working with her through training to help her see the world isn’t so scary after all.
BONNIE
Backstory
Golden Retrievers are known for their happy-go-lucky nature, but Bonnie was completely shut down. Found as a stray with a chain collar, she was too scared to even eat. Despite being a breed often associated with joy and companionship, she showed no interest in treats, affection, or interaction.
After spending time with her, I saw glimpses of hope. She began responding to touch and even took a treat from my hand. I knew she needed a safe space to heal, and Flip’s Farm was the perfect place for her. There, she had the freedom to decompress and the companionship of other dogs to help her learn how to trust again.
Pupdate
Bonnie’s turning point came when she met Annie and Peter. The connection was instant, and they knew she was meant to be part of their family. Now, she goes on daily walks, plays soccer with her favorite toy, and even sleeps in bed with her new family. Bonnie has found her perfect home, where she’s safe, loved, and finally living the life she always deserved.
TANZY
Backstory
Tansy, a seven-year-old pit bull, was found tied up outside the shelter in the cold. Surveillance footage showed someone dropping her off and walking away without so much as a goodbye. She had a rough history, having been previously surrendered, adopted, and then abandoned again.
When I met her, she was hesitant but receptive to treats. Over time, she started opening up, and her gentle, loving nature shone through. With the help of generous supporters, we were able to cover her medical expenses, including the removal of a benign tumor.
Pupdate
Despite an unsuccessful local adoption attempt, a woman named Valerie from Las Vegas saw her story and knew she had to help. She made the long drive and welcomed Tansy into her home. Now, Tansy is thriving, playing in her yard, cuddling with her new family, and finally experiencing the unconditional love she always deserved.
ROOFUS
Backstory
Roofus was found lying unresponsive on the side of a busy road. Initially believed to have been hit by a car, further examination revealed he had likely been poisoned. He was barely clinging to life, but with intensive care, he miraculously pulled through.
When I met him, he was incredibly affectionate, despite everything he had been through. He still moved in slow motion, a lingering effect of whatever he had ingested. But his spirit was unbroken—his tail wagged like a helicopter, and he soaked up every bit of love and attention.
Pupdate
Weeks passed, and despite his incredible recovery, Roofus remained unadopted. Then, Mike from Fresno, California, stepped in. He drove five hours to adopt Roofus, knowing the challenges pit bulls face in shelters. Now, Rufus is living his best life with his new canine sibling, Sasha, enjoying the love and stability he had been denied for so long.
VALENTINA
Backstory
Valentina’s case was one of the worst we had ever seen. She was in horrific condition when she was rescued—weak, malnourished, and barely clinging to life. It was clear she had been suffering for a long time, and without immediate intervention, she wouldn’t have survived.
She was rushed to a specialized care facility, where an incredible team of medical professionals worked tirelessly to stabilize her. It was touch and go for a while, but Valentina fought hard. With round-the-clock care, proper nutrition, and a lot of love, she slowly started to regain her strength.
Once she was stable enough, she came to Flip’s Farm to continue her rehabilitation. Here, she learned how to just be a dog again—gaining confidence, playing, and finally experiencing kindness. She was surrounded by other dogs who helped teach her what love and safety felt like, and every day she grew stronger, both physically and emotionally.
Pupdate
After months of recovery and rehabilitation, Valentina was finally ready for adoption. And in the most incredible full-circle moment, she was adopted by Suki, the very person who had cared for her at the care facility—the one who had been there from the beginning, helping her pull through during her most fragile days.
It was clear they had formed a special bond, and when the time came, there was no better place for Valentina than with the person who had already loved and cared for her. Now, she’s living the life she always deserved—safe, happy, and surrounded by unconditional love.
From a dog who barely survived to one who now thrives, Valentina’s journey is proof that love, patience, and a second chance can change everything.
