Adopting a dog is always a rewarding experience. The dog becomes part of your family, and watching a dog blossom and grow into the happiest version of themselves is always wonderful.
An important thing to remember about rescue dogs is that they often come with stories. Many dogs in shelters were abandoned, neglected, and some, sadly, were even physically abused.
Because of this, it is hard for them to trust strangers. Yet, many dogs learn to love again.
Kristina Rinaldi, the Executive Director of Detroit Dog Rescue, wrote a passionate message about a dog they saved. She told the story of a pit bull mix named Captain.
In a lengthy Facebook post, she began with this:
People often worry about adopting a rescue dog, because they tell us that we can’t change their past, and they are right. We can’t change their past.
We can’t fix that they were dumped, they were discarded, they were mistreated, and they mistrusted at one point in their life. We can’t fix the nights they were left in the rain, the times they had to find refuge and sleep on cold concrete, and they will probably never forget what it felt like to be hungry so many nights in a row.
In her post, she shared a photo of Captain inside of a cardboard box.
Upon first look, you might think this is a photo of Captain when they first found him. But it is not. In fact, it is a picture of him in the rescue’s care.
The rescue is unsure of Captain’s past.
Was he abused? Was he left on the streets? The only sure thing they knew was he is about 2 years old. In their care, he was fed, had any medical needs tended to, and was given a safe space to sleep.
But Captain didn’t want to sleep in a bed. Captain was only comfortable sleeping in a cardboard box.
Captain, the dog below, was rescued from the streets of Detroit. Every night, all he wants at bedtime, is a cardboard box. This cardboard box, or whatever size box we have at the time, is the only way he’ll sleep, because it’s the only way he’s ever slept to feel safe.
Kristina was passionate to share not only Captain’s story, but explain the affection and dedication her rescue organization has for every single animal that comes through their doors.
After going through so much, poor Captain needed a lot of training to be ready to go a home.
Captain arrived at Detroit Dog Rescue in late 2016, and he then spent a year training with K9 Turbo Training, who helped him cope with some of his fears.
Finally, in June 2018, Captain was ready to go to a foster home!
Captain did great in his foster home, and he stayed there for over a year, learning how to live with a family and let himself be loved.
Now, Captain is no longer listed under ‘adoptable dogs’ under Detroit Dog Rescue’s website. And so, it seems clear that he is now in his forever home! We’re so glad Detroit Dog Rescue helped Captain and spent so much time training him. It’s all paid off now.
Check out a great video about another of Detroit Dog Rescue’s dogs below!
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