By Cathy Baier

Life is a journey with lessons along the way. We grow, we learn, and if we are fortunate, we find allies who help us become the best we can be. This is true for animals too. Gus’s story is a great example of this. We recently had a surprise visit from Gus and his adopter Angela. It was hard to think of him as the same defensive, biting dog who had been surrendered to us two years earlier.  Gus is now sweet, friendly, confident, and obviously very happy with his life and his person.

So often fear and anxiety are at the root of problem behavior and as a dog starts to feel more relaxed and comfortable, their need to exhibit aggressive behavior diminishes. Angela shared with us how such a change took place with Gus:

“In my previous life, I volunteered for a local rescue group. For over 13 years I fostered and rehabilitated dogs. But my world fell apart when I lost my husband, father, home, job and financial resources within 18 months. I added another loss when my two beloved dogs died of old age. After mourning their loss for a year, I decided that it was time to get another dog. I knew I had no choice but to rescue, but I didn’t think that I could take on issues.

“When I met Gus (formerly known as Cookie) at the Key West SPCA, I saw exactly what I did NOT want, a dog with issues. According to his previous owners he was not housebroken at all, leash aggressive, a terrible leash puller, dog aggressive, people aggressive, object aggressive, food aggressive, excessive barker and a biter.  When I met him, I saw an angry, stubborn little eight-year-old guy who wouldn’t give me the time of day. Next to him was a delightful three-year-old bundle of energy named Milo who had the same eyes as a dog that I had lost. I instantly fell in love with Milo. But Milo was too energetic for my ten-year-old dog and Gus needed a home more, which is why I found myself with an eight-year-old, not housebroken, aggressive, barking 13-pound Maltese mix.

“Many people quickly hire trainers. But do you know what I did? Very little.

After I discovered that he would sell his mother for hotdogs, it only took a month of tiny hot dog rewards to housebreak him. He was been flawless ever since. Then I just sat back and gave him time. He snarled, growled, showed his teeth and barked at everyone but I ignored it. I wanted him to know that he lived in a safe place where there would be no yelling, no hitting, no punishment,  where he could be loved and gain confidence. Over time, it became clear that he had been misunderstood. He had an extremely sweet side. Gus retaliates when he is punished. I learned that Gus needed to set his own terms; he wanted to be asked to be picked up. He hated dog outfits. He was nervous about being hurt because he was small.

“It took about six months for him to learn that he was safe, that he would be loved, protected and understood. After that, he became the dog that he always wanted to be, a major league snuggler who believes that every person in the world wants his affection.

“His obsessive barking is gone, there is no object or food aggression and certainly no biting; and he gets along great with my other dog. He loves playing with other dogs at the dog park, making new friends, peeing on every tree, rock, pole, fence post, you get the picture. He is a special gift from the universe.  He is invited to all family events and spreads his joy to every child, man, or woman. His joy, sweetness, and love are contagious.

“Remember Milo, that dog that I wanted?  Gus recognized him on the pier one day, and his owner and I have become friendly. We marvel at the two them, running around enjoying their freedom and wonderful lives… giving so much more than they get.”

We are so grateful to adopters who give animals like Gus the time, space, and support needed to heal from their past. These are the allies who help animals become their best selves, allowing them a chance for a better life and a brighter future. Thanks to Angela and all those like her who care, understand, and make such a difference!

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