Wyna arrived at Longmont Humane Society when she was around 9 months old. She became a staff favorite, but Wyna failed her initial behavior evaluation because she resource guarded. Carly Shivers, a dog-training volunteer, decided to take Wyna home for a 3-month stint in foster care. Carly didn't obeserve any behaviors of concern during that time, but when Wyna went back to the shelter, she again failed her evaluation.

Working with Wyna at home again, Carly made an important observation that changed the way the shelter conducts behavior evaluations for dogs: Wyna only displayed resource guarding when she was in posession of a raw, meaty bone. This behavior was not obeserved with any other foods, toys, or treats.

"She was a big part of the push to stop using raw, meaty bones when evaluating for resource guarding," Carly said.

Today, Wyna lives with three other pit bulls and attends play groups with other dogs at the shelter. She and Carly have become a great ambassador team within their community, showing that pit bulls make great pets.  Wyna not only found her perfect match in Carly, but also made an important impact on the shelter and the future of other shelter dogs.

"She is such a joy," Carly said. "I can't imagine her not being a part of my life."