To the editor:

Our pit bull mix, Lila, is a rescue. She came to us several months ago with papers that read, "Good with cats. Good with other dogs. Good with children." We presumed she would be good with other adult people, too.

She was not. She'd clearly been harmed in her previous experience and simply did not trust people to not harm her. Though Lila continued to be dear, loving, harmless and devoted to us, she was distrusting and vicious with other adults, children and other dogs. The experts said she'd likely been harmed before we'd adopted her and became fearful of, and therefore defensive around, humans. We were forced to keep her crated when visitors came as she snarled and barked and even nipped at some; and we were forced to keep her away from our neighbors when we took her on walks.

We'd planned a family vacation a year in advance-before adopting Lila. This vacation was too important to miss and Lila could not join us. She failed at befriending our previous in-home pet sitter so in desperation, I phoned Beth, owner/manager at Howl-A-Day Pet Resort, explaining our dilemma. "Don't worry," she assured me. "We'll help you through this. My staff understands dogs like Lila. We've worked with plenty of rescues." I wanted more than anything to believe her. If we couldn't board Lila, David and I wouldn't be able to travel together. That was not an option.

Two months before our planned vacation date we began doing "happy visits" at Howl-A-Day. Lila and I would meet a few of the staff, they'd give her treats and try to warm up to her. She'd growl at them, sheepishly accepting treats but any unexpected movement and she'd growl and often nip at them.

The young staff members we worked with there were exceptional. I was amazed at how fearless they seemed, confessing they did their best to fake it sometimes. They persevered through Lila's dozens of attempts, visit after visit, to keep them fearful. Day after day, Lila and I went to the play yard with a handful of seasoned staff. All of their time was free of charge. They and their employer simply wanted to help Lila learn trust. I was humbled by their kindness and love.

Some days, Lila would have small breakthroughs and let someone pet her. But not often. One day during a "happy visit," Lila bit two members of the staff and fiercely lunged at a small dog entering the kennel. I left in tears that day, feeling defeated.

Two days later, Lila went in for her first three-hour day stay at the kennel. This seemed like a long shot. It was Lila's last chance to succeed, as Beth had shared that their staff would need to be able to leash Lila and so far no one could get close to doing that.

David, my husband, picked her up that day, arriving home with Lila and a video recording. There in the video, Lila was running up to, then licking and hugging one of the senior staff who had regularly devoted time, love and energy to her transformation. I wept. She'd had her breakthrough. She'd trusted and accepted the love of another human being. Every day stay and overnight stay since then has been a success.

Two days after her first overnight stay, we were ready to leave home for vacation. Lila's usual kennel bag was packed and sitting next to my car. When let outside for a potty break, Lila saw her bag, bounded over to it and staunchly sat next to it, resistant to coming in the house when called.

We are overwhelmingly grateful for the perseverance, love and confidence the staff at Howl-A-Day Pet Resort continues to provide for our Lila. She is a happier girl! Thank you Howl-A-Day!