The eyes never lie, especially in fear and anxiety.
So when a dog came in with eyes like it was pleading for mercy, the staff at a local town shelter were worried. The dog, only known back then as Chloe, was snuggled against the corner of her kennel. Her eyes were darting from person to person but her gaze never stayed long. Her eyes were wary, terrified, and cautious. It’s as if she’s watching for movements that will put her in danger.
She was not aggressive or hostile.
But she was definitely in pain – maybe not physically, but mentally and emotionally.
Her body was tense and curled. She was so scared that her whole body was shaking. The rescuers wanted to get closer but they were afraid of traumatizing her further.
They said that she was left in the shelter by her owner. They never knew the reason why but the owner did so in a hurry. They wanted to know what the dog has been through and why she’s overcome by fear but they could only watch her from a distance.
But all of those were about to change when she was put up for fostering.
The people in the shelter knew that all she needs is a home that will love her so she can feel safe and accepted. It was difficult to get her out of her kennel at first but with patience and understanding, they let her come to them at her own pace.
She had her tail tucked between her legs when she walked out but it soon changed when her foster parents began showing her love.
She sniffed on them cautiously and curiously but the difference was highly noticeable. She didn’t cower in fear or squeezed herself into a corner.
The recovery wasn’t as instantaneous either.
At first, she didn’t drink or eat, even after leaving the shelter. But they respected her space and her healing. They took it one day at a time.
Her foster parent Darvish Kamalia was with her throughout the process.
Eventually, she finally drank a lot of water and ate but her anxiety was still present.
But unlike the first time they met her, Chloe was showing bits of her more affectionate self.
View this post on Instagram
She enjoys a lot of ear rubs and likes to perch her chin over her foster’s hand. If it was her asking for more love, we’ll never know, but her humans were generous with their love for her.
Eventually, they had to accept the reality that Chloe will never leave her foster parent’s home. The way she connected to her foster and the safe home they provided for her resulted in a foster fail.
View this post on Instagram
She’s now known as Mira, and she is living her best life.
She’s no longer hiding in corners or avoiding gazes. She’s extremely clingy based on the photos and it seems like her language is cuddling and snuggling close.
Fear changed to security, and security changed to excitement. She now goes out to play instead of being anxious. She’s living the life she was meant to live, and it’s all thanks to the people who gave her space to heal and a home that taught her love.
Watch how a dog changed from avoiding eye contact and shaking to an active dog so thirsty for life.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
