Amber and her brother Buster are the shelter's longest residents, and their story is not one of rainbows and butterflies. They came to us after their owner was arrested, we were told he'd be "gone for a long, long time." When we arrived at the home, both dogs were underweight, covered in old wounds, and it became clear they had been used as fighting dogs. At first, we didn't know if Amber would ever trust again. But slowly, she began to show us she wanted love more than anything. Every day she's made progress, transforming into a shelter favorite with her big, bubbly personality. She knows her kennel as "home," walks politely on a leash, and has recently started training to help her continue growing and to give her future family the tools they'll need for success. Amber has her quirks and her joys, she is a true water dog, splashing and swimming with delight, and she loves chasing her orange ball. She listens well, knows "sit," and enjoys trotting through the woods on walks. She has even surprised us by joining a successful playgroup with another dog. Amber carries her past, but she refuses to be defined by it. What she needs now is a family who understands her history, respects her boundaries, and will give her the forever home she has waited far too long to find.