RESCUE TAILS / Braveheart

Contributed by FKSPCA Staff

A shelter can be a very scary place for any animal. The barking dogs, smells, strange people, new environments, new routines, and kennels. Although we do our very best to create a calm, comfortable environment there’s only so much that’s within our control. At our Marathon Campus, we only have one kennel room, which means all dogs share the same space. Big dogs, small dogs, older dogs, younger dogs, barking dogs, quiet dogs, are all housed in the same area. For our scared and anxious dogs, we give them as much time out of the kennel as possible, be it spending time with staff in an office, snuggling in a yard with volunteers or in the best case scenario, finding a foster home.

When a little rat terrier mix came to our shelter as a stray, he was so afraid he curled into a ball as tight and tense as he possibly could, and urinated on himself. It was heartbreaking to see. Fearful dogs show their discomfort with the four F’s. Flight, Freeze, Fidget, Fight. He was frozen stiff, paralyzed by his fear and unable to will himself to walk or move. Thus, he was given the name Braveheart.

We had to move slowly with him, give him space and time to feel secure again and relearn how to trust. For the first day he never left his kennel, and we didn’t force him. We allowed him to just be. We sat quietly outside the kennel, talking gently and offering yummy food and treats. By the second or third day we were able to pick him up to carry him outside for some sunshine and a chance to eliminate. By the fourth day he would sit in my office with me under my desk and allow me to give him gentle pets and treats. By the time his stray hold ended on day 5, he had developed some trust and a bond with our staff. However; any new people, including volunteers, were still terrifying for Braveheart and with his newly regained confidence, he responded by barking furiously at all who entered his space.

We knew the best thing for Braveheart would be a home. In a home environment he could establish routine, form bonds with his caretakers, build trusting relationships and begin to “be a dog” again. We knew that it would be difficult though, with his reactions to new people, to show a family how truly sweet and special he could be once he was comfortable. Or so we thought.

Luckily a very kind and understanding family quickly came along, looking for a dog just like Braveheart after the loss of their beloved Terrier mix. We counseled them on his unknown past, the behaviors we’d seen at the shelter, his fear, and how far he had come in such a short time. They followed our recommendation of coming to visit often, bringing plenty of tasty treats and giving him space and time to get to know them. Although he never greeted them with eager kisses and excitement, he slowly grew comfortable with their presence and they were committed to continuing to build his trust at home. So Braveheart was adopted.

They recently sent us this fantastic update, with the most adorable photos. “We adopted Braveheart about 2 weeks ago. We’ve changed his name to Fonzie. He took a day to warm up to me, and then followed me everywhere. By day 4 he realized this is his forever home and we’re his “pack”. He’s playing with my 6 year old son and loves me and my husband Jeff so much. He’s learning tricks and loves playing with his toys a lot! He’s a very active, sweet loving boy! Our hearts are so full and happy!”

Thanks!

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