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Her story begins on the rough streets of Romania, where six-month-old Nayeli struggled to survive — a fight she nearly lost.
After a terrible car accident, she was left severely injured and paralyzed in a roadside ditch.
The initial diagnosis was devastating: a paralysis that couldn’t be surgically treated, and barely a chance of recovery.
But Nayeli — a symbol of unshakable resilience — fought her way back to life with all her strength
After a terrible car accident, she was left severely injured and paralyzed in a roadside ditch.
The initial diagnosis was devastating: a paralysis that couldn’t be surgically treated, and barely a chance of recovery.
But Nayeli — a symbol of unshakable resilience — fought her way back to life with all her strength
How It All Began: Romania
Photos from Nayeli’s life
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Nayeli was the soul of this story – gentle, brave, and endlessly patient.
Her presence shaped every page and every thought behind this project.
She was more than a rescued dog; she was a being who redefined what it means to trust again.
Her presence shaped every page and every thought behind this project.
She was more than a rescued dog; she was a being who redefined what it means to trust again.
This Is Nayeli
The Center of the Story
Join us in honoring Nayeli’s legacy by supporting animal welfare.
Discover more about her inspiring story and how you can make a difference in the book.
Discover more about her inspiring story and how you can make a difference in the book.
Nayeli loved the company of other dogs. Sometimes, when no friends appeared, she would bark into the distance, hoping to call one of them over.
These small gestures were reminders of how deeply she cherished connection.
These small gestures were reminders of how deeply she cherished connection.
Friendship & Everyday Moments
Nayeli never saw her wheelchair as a limitation – it was her tool of freedom.
She moved with strength, grace, and joy, showing that limits exist mostly in our minds.
She moved with strength, grace, and joy, showing that limits exist mostly in our minds.
A Life on Wheels
Despite all the hardship she had faced, Nayeli was a soul who longed for human love and kindness.
She taught us that true friendship lies in the smallest gestures — in patience, in unconditional love, and in the courage to touch another soul.
She taught us that true friendship lies in the smallest gestures — in patience, in unconditional love, and in the courage to touch another soul.
A Sensitive Heart for People
When Nayeli arrived, she was quiet and observant, as if reading the air around her.
The house seemed to hold its breath – waiting. From the first day, she claimed her space with calm dignity.
The house seemed to hold its breath – waiting. From the first day, she claimed her space with calm dignity.
Arrival at My Home
This is the real Nayeli – the dog who gave her beautiful name to this project.
The main character in my book was actually named Bambi — a name I couldn’t use due to trademark restrictions.
I met the real Nayeli after Bambi’s death, during a journey to Romania when I visited the Animal Life shelter in Sibiu.
She was already an older dog, calm and wise, with the kind of dignity that makes you fall silent.
I brought her home with me — and by giving her name to this project, something of her continues to live on.
The main character in my book was actually named Bambi — a name I couldn’t use due to trademark restrictions.
I met the real Nayeli after Bambi’s death, during a journey to Romania when I visited the Animal Life shelter in Sibiu.
She was already an older dog, calm and wise, with the kind of dignity that makes you fall silent.
I brought her home with me — and by giving her name to this project, something of her continues to live on.
The Real Nayeli
Behind the Scenes
This project carries her name, her spirit — and her dignity.
This is how Nayeli stays with me.
In every word, in every image, in every quiet thought that brings her back to me.
This is how Nayeli stays with me.
In every word, in every image, in every quiet thought that brings her back to me.
What Remains
Nayeli often visited Bambi’s grave.
Sometimes she lay down quietly beside it, sometimes she just watched the garden.
It was as if she sensed the invisible thread that connects souls who have shared love — beyond time, beyond words.
Sometimes she lay down quietly beside it, sometimes she just watched the garden.
It was as if she sensed the invisible thread that connects souls who have shared love — beyond time, beyond words.
Connection to Bambi
Her days were simple — and yet full of meaning.
She loved the smell of fresh grass and the sound of the wind.
Sometimes, she would roll on her back and close her eyes, grunting softly with joy.
She had a small friend she visited every day — always stopping by the same fence, always with the same quiet excitement.
Her treasures were bones she could no longer chew.
She carried them carefully, buried them in secret spots, and checked them regularly — as if to say that even small things deserve care.
She loved the smell of fresh grass and the sound of the wind.
Sometimes, she would roll on her back and close her eyes, grunting softly with joy.
She had a small friend she visited every day — always stopping by the same fence, always with the same quiet excitement.
Her treasures were bones she could no longer chew.
She carried them carefully, buried them in secret spots, and checked them regularly — as if to say that even small things deserve care.
Everyday Rituals
Nayeli loved her walks — steady, purposeful, full of curiosity.
She had a quiet joy for movement, a sense of belonging in nature.
Together with my second dog, Clotilde, she shared a deep bond.
Clotilde was young, playful, and often unsure — Nayeli guided her.
In her calm, Clotilde found courage.
These small moments became everyday miracles — lessons in patience, presence, and gentle leadership.
She had a quiet joy for movement, a sense of belonging in nature.
Together with my second dog, Clotilde, she shared a deep bond.
Clotilde was young, playful, and often unsure — Nayeli guided her.
In her calm, Clotilde found courage.
These small moments became everyday miracles — lessons in patience, presence, and gentle leadership.
Life with Nayeli
Nayeli – I love you
That’s what her name means in the language of the Zapotec people, an Indigenous culture from Mexico.
For me this name was more than a choice – it was a promise. A quiet vow that love, trust, and belonging could grow again, even from the silence of shelter life.
Nayeli lived up to her name, day by day – with her dignity, her tenderness, and her quiet strength.
She wasn’t a coincidence, nor just a companion for a time. She was a soul that had once gone missing and found her way back into life, one gentle step at a time.
This project carries her name, her spirit, and her dignity.
Nayeli meant love.
And that remains.
That’s what her name means in the language of the Zapotec people, an Indigenous culture from Mexico.
For me this name was more than a choice – it was a promise. A quiet vow that love, trust, and belonging could grow again, even from the silence of shelter life.
Nayeli lived up to her name, day by day – with her dignity, her tenderness, and her quiet strength.
She wasn’t a coincidence, nor just a companion for a time. She was a soul that had once gone missing and found her way back into life, one gentle step at a time.
This project carries her name, her spirit, and her dignity.
Nayeli meant love.
And that remains.
Author’s Note
No One’s Dog
Animal Welfare Knows No Boundaries
It begins with a touch.
An outstretched paw, a moment of closeness.
A promise – quiet, yet strong:
You are not alone.
In Romania, thousands of dogs and cats fight for survival.
They are born into a world
that never planned a place for them.
But there is hope.
In shelters, during spay campaigns,
and through the people who care – day after day.
This page tells their stories.
And of those who protect them.
An outstretched paw, a moment of closeness.
A promise – quiet, yet strong:
You are not alone.
In Romania, thousands of dogs and cats fight for survival.
They are born into a world
that never planned a place for them.
But there is hope.
In shelters, during spay campaigns,
and through the people who care – day after day.
This page tells their stories.
And of those who protect them.
Join our community
Afterword
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Connect with us
Epilogue
Connect with us to share your thoughts and spread awareness
We’re happy to hear from you — whether it’s feedback, questions, or ideas for animal welfare collaborations.
Valina.Aust@MeetNayeli.com
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