In the picturesque town of Prescott, Arizona, nestled amidst the tall pines and verdant landscapes, lives a dog whose story transcends borders, languages, and hearts. This is the tale of Shayla, a shepherd mix with a lineage tracing back to the far reaches of Ukraine, whose life story reads like an epic novel filled with adventure, compassion, and unconditional love. At the heart of her narrative is Barchelle (“Chelly”) Bolger Wathen, a native San Diegan turned Prescott local, who, alongside her husband George, has provided Shayla not just a home but a legacy through literature.
Shayla’s journey from an abandoned pup wandering the streets of Ukraine to becoming an adored member of the Wathen family in America encapsulates themes of resilience and hope. Her early days were marred by loneliness and fear until fate led her to Father’s House Orphanage near Kyiv. It was here that Shayla discovered camaraderie among children with stories not too dissimilar to her own – ones craving love and belonging. The orphanage became her refuge, transforming her from a fearful stray into a beacon of joy for everyone she encountered.
The turning point in Shayla’s life arrived when supporters from San Diego orchestrated an adoption drive for dogs at Father’s House Orphanage. This initiative was not just about finding homes for these animals but also about giving them a second chance at life. Chelly and George were among the fortunate families who opened their hearts to these special creatures. The addition of Shayla to their household brought immense joy and completed their family in ways they had never anticipated.
Moving to Prescott marked a new chapter for the Wathens and Shayla. Here, George embarked on his venture with Wathen Custom Woodcrafts while Chelly briefly returned to work before dedicating herself fully to volunteerism and writing. Meanwhile, Shayla found new purpose as well; trained as a CGC certified dog, she became an ambassador of goodwill at local events such as the Prescott Ukrainian Festival.
Chelly’s passion for writing propelled her to chronicle Shayla’s extraordinary tale in several books aimed at children and adults alike. “Shayla’s Adventure: What’s Across the Ocean?”, for example, is a spirited narrative that introduces young readers to themes of courage and exploration through whimsical adventures shared between Shayla and young orphan Ashok.
Another, “Shayla and Friends,” delves into the gritty realities faced by those caught in conflict zones while highlighting the indomitable spirit of survival against all odds.
These stories are more than just bedtime readings; they are educational tools that convey messages about friendship, acceptance, resilience in adversity, and most importantly — hope. Chelly utilizes these narratives as platforms for advocacy by shining light on broader issues, such as animal rescue efforts during crises like wars, which often leave countless animals displaced or abandoned.
Behind every page lies an unwavering commitment to authenticity—each word carefully chosen to reflect real emotions experienced during Shayla’s journey from Ukraine to America. These books serve as testaments not only to Shayla’s remarkable transformation but also to humanity’s capacity for kindness, even in dire times.
As we turn each page of these heartwarming stories, it becomes evident that these are not merely stories about rescuing dogs but powerful allegories on redemption; they remind us that every creature—big or small—deserves love unconditionally given by someone ready enough to listen closely enough hear its whisper across oceans deserts alike.
Thus unfolds the saga of Shayla—a once frightened puppy on Ukrainian streets now transformed into Prescott’s beloved canine celebrity through unwavering love and resilience.
The books also teach that what matters most is not where you start but where you end up: in this case, surrounded by kindness and understanding.
They show us also that sweet beings like Shayła enrich lives by simply being themselves.
In addition to her literary pursuits, Chelly engages actively with communities both online through platforms like Instagram @juneaushayla where she shares snippets from their daily lives in Prescott with George, Juneau (their older dog), and naturally—Shayla herself.
Published by: Martin De Juan
