Effy came into our care in November 2025 after being rescued from the Cluj-Napoca public shelter, where she had spent around a year confined to a kennel so small she could barely turn around.

Her body carried traces of a life we will never fully know. Part of her ear and half of her tail were missing, most likely the result of human cruelty. And yet, somehow, Effy never stopped trusting people.

Quite the opposite.

From the moment she arrived, it was impossible not to fall in love with her. Effy was a giant teddy bear disguised as a dog: affectionate, gentle, wonderfully goofy, and convinced that belly rubs and treats were among life’s basic necessities.

She loved people and other dogs, was polite with cats, wonderful with children, and always ready to enthusiastically offer a paw.

But her journey brought another challenge.

Effy was diagnosed with a mammary tumour and underwent a full mastectomy. Histopathology confirmed mixed mammary carcinoma, but thankfully the tumour was completely removed with clean margins and other favourable prognostic findings.

Through examinations, surgery and recovery, Effy remained Effy: trusting, affectionate, funny and endlessly happy to be close to people.

And then someone looked at our tall girl with the funny ear, half a tail, an imperfect medical history and enormous paws - and saw exactly what we had always seen.

A wonderful dog.

Effy found her family.

They chose a big dog, knowing that larger dogs are often overlooked simply because of their size. They looked beyond the extra-large paws and the space she takes up on the couch and saw a gentle soul who had already waited far too long to belong to someone.

From forgotten behind shelter bars to someone’s beloved family member.

Our giant teddy bear is finally home.

Happy life, Effy.