When animals become traumatised, it can be hard for them to be comfortable around people ever again. Whether they were mistreated, neglected or both, regaining the trust of an animal that’s been hurt by people in the past needs patience and tact. The experts of rescuing animals from all sorts of strife are the team from Hope For Paws.
Based in Southern California, they rescue any animals in need…even those which don’t have paws!
https://www.facebook.com/hopeforpawscalifornia/photos/a.423433564338004/1236056746409011/?type=3&theater
One day, they get the call to collect one particularly terrified pup.
A local by the name of Cheryl Cook called Eldad of the Hope For Paws team to alert them to a small petrified dog who was terrified of people. The dog was cowering in the corner of a doorway, scared of Eldad even from a distance.
Its tail quiver between its legs.
The poor little thing was so scared that it trembled terribly as Eldad drew closer. Every piece of body language from this little pup speaks volumes of just how traumatised by humans this dog is. She must have been treated awfully by the people she encountered in her past.
Eldad has his work cut out for him.
The first step is to secure the pup to make sure that she a) doesn’t run away, and b) doesn’t attack her rescuer. Eldad uses his animal control pole, a pole with a lasso on the end to try to capture this doggo. As instinct kicks in, the pup’s fear occasionally becomes aggressive outbursts.
This part is easier said than done!
It’s much harder than it should be when the animal you’re trying to rescue aggressively bites the tool you’re trying to use to ensure its safety.
Once secure, Eldad employs a slightly more domestic tool.
The next piece of equipment this rescuer uses is the humble blanket. Eldad uses the blanket to make first contact. It allows him to administer a gentle stroking touch, and if this pup lashes out and bites, he doesn’t get bitten. Eventually, Eldad is able to hold the blanket against the dog’s head and stroke her with his thumb. You have to have nerves of steel to do this job!
After some time, Eldad is able to touch her.
Going in without the safety of the blanket, Eldad begins to take the next step. The overall goal with this rescue is to build this pup’s trust. It’s vital that part of the rescue is getting the pup to understand that not all people want to hurt her.
After 20 minutes, she’s beginning to trust again.
After Eldad wrestles her onto his lap, she becomes more comfortable around him. He’s even able to stroke her head tenderly without her resisting. It seems like this doggo is on the road to trusting people again!
Eventually, she even nods off in his lap.
It seems like the hardest part is done, and perhaps for the first time, this dog, who Cheryl suggests they call “Holly” is at home with a human companion.
After being taken back, it’s time for a scrub down!
With a new lease on life, and looking for a new home, Holly needs to have a new clean look. If they’re to find a new home for her, she has to be sparkling! When they’re done Holly looks like a whole new dog, and she even gets an adorable little blouse as she plays with her new puppy pals in her foster home. Watching her frolic with them is just so heartwarming!
Watch the full video below to have your heart melted by this amazing rescue!
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