The following story was submitted to the From Woofs to Wonders Photo and Story contest. The top three finishers received a $250 Animal Rescue Site store shopping spree, as well as $2,000 in cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. To read more stories, click here!

Astrid was saved by Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue when she and her companion were tossed away like trash to roam the streets of Texas.

PHOTO: JENNIFER LANGENOHL

She was incredibly skinny, and you could tell she was much more comfortable outside than she was inside a home, which was heartbreaking. She learned quickly, though, that inside was where the food was and began to learn all about soft beds and these things called toys, specifically balls!

Thanks to our female Malinois, she quickly came out of her shell and learned what being a dog was supposed to be like. Running, playing, wrestling and shredding stuffies!

PHOTO: JENNIFER LANGENOHL

She is still a little nervous at times, but we have been taking her to obedience classes, and she's very eager to please and gets very excited/proud when she executes a command correctly. She loves all her housemates (four other dogs and two cats) and loves to give kisses and cuddles.

For having such a rough to start to life, she really has no business being as sweet and loving as she is. It has been so rewarding watching her learn and grow into a life that she truly deserved from the very beginning, and I couldn't imagine our household without her.

PHOTO: JENNIFER LANGENOHL

This story was submitted by Jennifer Langenohl in support of Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue. To read other stories from the From Woofs to Wonders Photo and Story contest, click here!