Getting a rescue dog usually comes with some special… bonuses. Being either raised on the street or being abandoned, they usually come with a heart ready to love and a few quirks. Those quirks aren’t things to hate, just ways to love your new dog more!
For one dog, that special quirk was separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety often occurs in dogs that have been harshly abandoned or completely unsocialized as puppies. For any dog-parents who aren’t home very often, this anxiety can cause some issues around the home and destructive behavior.
Separation anxiety is triggered when dogs become upset because of separation from their guardians, the people they’re attached to. Escape attempts by dogs with separation anxiety are often extreme and can result in self-injury and household destruction, especially around exit points like windows and doors. – ASPCA
Tofu is a Great Dane that was rescued and struggling with his anxiety.
When he came home from the shelter, it was clear that he had some things he needed to work through. The shelter even said that he was known as a bit of an escape artist and to look out for him! As it turns out, he wasn’t trying to escape, he just wanted to be with his family.
His new family loved him dearly, however, and was determined to work through it with him.
They captured him on videos doing the craziest things! He would jump over baby-gates that were 4-5 feet tall without a problem. They even looked on the home video camera one day to find that he was getting on top of the kitchen counter and looking for them there!
Tofu viewed his mom as his protector and was very reserved in how he lived his life.
As he got healthier and happier in his new life, it took some time to get him adjusted. He was underweight and partially blind and deaf, requiring special care. In his new home, he ended up becoming friends with another dog who lived there named Zoot!
Zoot was another Great Dane and the two soon became friends.
As Tofu’s mom kept watching the two interact on camera, however, she learned that Zoot was helping Tofu more than she realized. When she would leave and they would be home together, Tofu would start to get scared and anxious. Usually, he would bark and start to pace, clearly upset.
When Zoot would notice, he would come lay down next to Tofu and be a comforting presence.
Like a good older sister, she would help calm Tofu down and when he finally laid down, she would place her head over him in a calming way, letting him know she was there with him.
Having a comforting sibling was super helpful for the fraidy dog.
After a month or two, Tofu even started putting on weight again! With a loving mom, sister, and unlimited treats, he was basically a new dog. He was full of confidence and learning to be a normal puppy again.
Check out the video below!
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