The Journey Home
At sunrise each morning, Reyna and her foster mom, Caitlin Rose, run three miles through the trails near their home. For this high-energy shepherd mix, these runs aren’t just exercise — they’re essential to her well-being. When Reyna first arrived at Blue Mountain Humane Society, her intense spirit and wariness of strangers masked her true potential. She needed someone who could understand both her challenges and her incredible drive.
Reyna with foster Caitlin Rose and her partner, Vinny Salvato.
She found that person in Caitlin, a park ranger whose own experience with managing high stress through exercise made her uniquely suited to understand Reyna’s needs. “Exercise has always been my way to channel energy and stay grounded,” Caitlin explains. “When I learned about Reyna, I was drawn to her, not despite her anxiety but because of it — I recognized a kindred spirit.”
Through BMHS’s Washington State Penitentiary training program, Reyna earned her Canine Good Citizen certification, mastering basic commands and positive interactions with other dogs. But she needed more — a stable environment where she could build confidence and trust. Caitlin stepped in as a foster, dedicating 20-25 hours weekly to Reyna’s care and training.
Working with professional trainer Yvonne Miller from Birchtree Dog Obedience, Caitlin learned that Reyna’s anxiety stemmed from feeling she had to be the leader. “Yvonne helped me understand that Reyna was struggling because, in her mind, no one was in charge,” Caitlin shares. “She was taking on the role of leader because she felt it was her job, even though it wasn’t comfortable for her. The change was nearly instant when I stepped into that role confidently.”
Their daily routine now starts at 5 a.m. with “snuggles and coffee” before their morning run. While Caitlin works as a park ranger, Reyna stays engaged with puzzles and enrichment toys. Living in the park allows Caitlin to check on her throughout the day, coming home at lunch for playtime. The transformation became clear when Reyna encountered Val, a park aide she had previously feared. Instead of growling or backing away, Reyna’s whole body wiggled with joy as she rushed to give friendly kisses.
Before fostering Reyna, Caitlin’s life was filled with seasonal work in state and national parks and thru-hiking remote trails. She always hoped to share this rugged lifestyle with a dog someday. “Living in a remote place can be lonely,” Caitlin says, “but Reyna’s companionship fills that space with love and joy. She came to me skittish and scared, and now she’s confident and curious.”
Though Caitlin would love to adopt Reyna permanently, her upcoming EMT training makes it difficult. Her dedication shows in the arrangements she’s made for Reyna’s care — securing a place at her father’s 110-acre ranch in California while she’s in Wyoming. “The shelter would be too stressful for her after all the progress she’s made,” Caitlin explains. “It was important to find somewhere she would feel at ease.”
Your donations make these transformations possible. When you give to BMHS, you provide specialized care including monthly medications and special diets, and foster supplies like crates, gates, and enrichment toys. Your support also maintains vital programs like the WSP partnership and professional training that prepare dogs like Reyna for their journey home.
“Reyna is incredibly intelligent, independent, loyal, and loving,” Caitlin reflects. “She’s also curious and empathetic — a dog who truly understands her people. She deserves someone who can match her energy and provide her with the challenges she thrives on.”
This holiday season, your gift can help write more success stories like Reyna’s. Your support gives animals like Reyna the chance to become their best selves — confident, happy, and ready for their forever homes.
Make your gift today at bluemountainhumane.org/quick-gifts or use the enclosed envelope.
