Azas rescue and his subsequent journey around the world—at the height of the 2020 COVID pandemic—was one of the greatest challenges we have ever faced at Forever Home.
At the same time, Azas successful relocation to Germany and the happy, exciting life he leads there today is one of the greatest successes we’ve ever had the privilege to celebrate.
In this article, you’ll learn how this happy ending came to be, the adventures we had to survive along the way, and how Aza continues to help other rescue dogs find their own happy endings today.
An Adventure Begins
Azas life, his journey to Germany, and his time with Forever Home have always been one big adventure. The word “extraordinary” describes it perfectly—and that includes his original “rescue” here in Kenya.
Azas stay with us was actually intended to be a temporary solution. His owner needed a place for the then-very young Spitz to stay and asked us for help: the puppy was supposed to remain at Forever Home until her living situation improved and she could take him back.
As you might guess, the original owner never returned, and we suddenly had another puppy for our young organization to care for.
But both, we and Aza, made the best of the situation and the little guy settled into his new home wonderfully. Even then, Aza was slightly older than most of our other puppies and quickly appointed himself “Head of Department” for all the juniors and pups.
Idefix, Balou, and others—dogs that now weigh almost ten times as much as Aza—fell head over heels in love with their new adoptive brother and enjoyed every free minute with the growing Pomeranian. Aza formed friendships with our staff and handlers just as quickly, soon becoming everyone’s absolute favorite at Forever Home.
A Journey with Obstacles
There was immense joy throughout the entire team a few months later in March 2020, when Aza was adopted by a family from Germany. His new owners and our team wanted nothing more than for Aza to move into his new home as quickly as possible. We were all overjoyed by this seemingly perfect happy ending.
And then, in April 2020, a global pandemic was declared. Flights were canceled worldwide, and international travel was restricted as much as humanly possible.
The great joy of Azas adoption suddenly turned into despair: flight tickets and numerous import permits had already been paid for, and Aza’s new family was waiting desperately in Germany. Aza was only our second adoption ever as a rescue organization, and it was turning into a potential disaster before the dog had even gotten near a plane.
However, as so often in the history of Forever Home, one thing was clear: giving up was not an option. Over the next few months, we worked feverishly to secure a spot on a flight for Aza, regardless of the cost or effort involved.
After months of tension and uncertainty, the day finally arrived on August 28, 2020—his new owners birthday. We received the green light for Azas flight. That same evening, this very special dog was on a plane to Germany, arriving safely in Frankfurt the following morning.
Aza the “Fürther”
After months of uncertainty and the constant struggle to get him to Germany, exhaustion was visible among the Forever Home teams in both Germany and Kenya, as well as with Azas new owners. We all just wanted Aza to finally arrive, while simultaneously worrying that something might go wrong at the very last minute. We were at the end of our strength.
Aza, however, was not. The young male strutted out of his travel crate with his usual confidence, seemingly unbothered by the subsequent veterinary inspection.
It took Aza only a few minutes to bond with his new owners. It was immediately clear to him who he would be spending his life with, and there was no question in his mind about the next leg of the journey: the car ride from Frankfurt to Fürth.
Once in Fürth, Aza immediately set about exploring his new apartment and walking routes, making plenty of friends with the new people and dogs in his life. The Kenyan Spitzacted as if he had never spent a single day of his life outside of Middle Franconia.
Azas family had decided to adopt him after their previous companion, Chippi, had passed away in March 2020 after only three years together. As much as they had looked forward to Azas arrival, the grief over Chippis death was still fresh.
Once he arrived, Azas special charm, confidence, and incredibly gentle soul quickly ensured that his new owners fell head over heelsin love with him, making him a permanent member of their pack.
Bella: A New Family Member
Aza settled in incredibly quickly, and the next few years flew by. Aza and his family showered each other with love, and we were treated to many beautiful photos and updates.
A very special highlight for us was when Aza met Kimba for the first time. Kimba had come to Germany in 2020 and was the first dog ever adopted from Forever Home. Seeing these two males—both of whom we had saved from certain death in Kenya—playing happily together in Germany was the best reward we could have asked for.
One and a half years later, on January 9, 2022—just one day before Aza’s birthday—his life was to change for the better once again. He received a very special birthday present: a sister named Bella.
Azas owners had always been committed to animal welfare, helping four-legged friends in need whenever possible. This commitment didn’t end when Aza moved in. In January 2022, the family agreed to help move a dog from a Bulgarian rescue to Germany.
Originally, Bella was only supposed to stay with Azas family for a few hours until her new owners could pick her up. Everything went according to plan, and Bella was picked up that same day.
Bella’s Last Hope
However, only four hours later, Azas family received a very sad call: Bella’s new owners had changed their minds and no longer wanted her. Furthermore, the dog had to leave their house immediately.
Azas owners were faced with a choice: send an innocent dog who had just arrived from Bulgaria either back there or to a German animal shelter.
Even though they had no obligation toward Bella, neither alternative was an option for this wonderful family. So, on his birthday, January 10, 2022, Aza received the best gift of his life: Bella.
Initially, his family was a bit worried about how he would react to a second dog after being an “only prince” for eighteen months. But once again, Aza proved why he is so special. Like a true big brother, he immediately welcomed Bella and showed her Fürth from a dog perspective.
He was patient and understanding, ensuring the rescued pup felt safe and secure. He even gave her a very special gift: his own baby sweater from Nairobi. Aza had long since outgrown it, but tiny Bella desperately needed it during the cold German January.
Over the years, as Bella grew up, their relationship changed. Instead of big brother and little sister, they are now more like an old married couple: lots of bickering, but infinite affection. Neither wants to be without the other for even ten minutes.
Azas Happy Ending: A True Success
Several years have passed since Aza and Bella moved in. Seeing Aza so happy with his pack in Germany makes us incredibly proud.
We aren’t just happy for Aza and Bella; Azas rescue, adoption, and the fact that neither he nor his family have ever regretted the decision is one of the most important successes in the history of our organization.
What makes us even happier is that Aza has since welcomed two more Forever Home dogs to Germany: Lindsey and Billy are now close friends of his. Aza helped both these “Kenyan ladies” and their owners feel comfortable with the idea of adoption and helped them settle into their new lives.
Thank you, Aza.
