In a small village in Greece, Valia Orfanidou saw a six-month-old stray dog walking along the beach. But Valia knew there was something special about this pup and decided to rescue her.

Valia rescues and fosters stray dogs, but because there are many, she usually only takes in sick or pregnant animals that will not survive on the street. This dog was healthy, but Valia saw that she was desperate for human companionship.

Valia named the dog Blue and she was a completely calm dog on her ride to Athens. Valia’s friend fostered Blue until she moved back to Athens.

Valia was soon reunited with Blue, and she began looking for the right forever home for this very special dog. Second Chance Animal Rescue Society quickly found a family in the Netherlands who were the perfect fit for Blue. Valia took Blue to the airport and said a tearful goodbye.

Blue began her new life in the Netherlands with a family of eight rescue dogs and five rescue cats. She even has a Facebook page that shows her enjoying her new life.

Karin, Blue’s foster mom, often took Blue with her to physiotherapy. One time, Karin fell down, and Blue immediately comforted her. Blue was so relaxed and not nervous at all, showing Karin that Blue would be an amazing therapy dog. Many of Karin’s dogs work as therapy dogs, especially helping people with dementia or Alzheimer’s. These dogs provide comfort to these patients and can help them improve their speech or even smile.

Blue visited a nursing home for her first big test as a therapy dog in January. She was gentle when the nursing home residents pet her, and she was not alarmed or scared by people talking loudly or getting angry. Blue passed her first with flying colors, and it was obvious that her purpose was to be a therapy dog.

Blue now works as a therapy dog and she’s as happy as can be!