When a dog doesn’t grow up in a safe and loving environment, it often becomes antisocial, depressed, and anxious. In a place where they can finally relax, they tend to curl up and hide, unfamiliar with the feeling of security. It is crucial for their caregivers to take things slowly, allowing the dog to unwind at its own pace.
Rocky Kanaka, a pet rescue advocate, understood this perfectly when he encountered a dog with trust issues due to a difficult past.
Meet Arthur
Arthur is an adorable one-and-a-half-year-old Cattle Dog mix who lived as a stray from an unclaimed litter. Initially grateful to be adopted after arriving at the shelter, his happiness was short-lived when his new family surrendered him back to the shelter, unable to care for him. This left Arthur extremely depressed and anxious, refusing to even make eye contact. However, his behavior was about to change when Rocky decided to spend some time with him.
Easy Does It
Arthur was in the sallyport, an area where dogs wait before entering the shelter for examination. Rocky saw this as the perfect chance to introduce himself. He started by sitting a distance away to give Arthur space, understanding that the new environment was frightening for him.
As Arthur avoided eye contact, Rocky tried to build trust by offering treats. He first placed one treat in front of Arthur, but the dog only sniffed it. After a few tries, Rocky offered a treat from his hand, and to his delight, Arthur ate it!
Although Arthur continued to avoid eye contact, the fact that he accepted treats from an open hand was a hopeful sign. Rocky knew anxious dogs rarely take treats from an open hand due to increased anxiety.
Magic of Kindness
Learning that Arthur had been abandoned by his family, Rocky’s heart broke. He decided to shower Arthur with positive affirmations, reminding him of his worth.
“I think that you are a good boy and you deserve love and I am sorry that your family left you behind because you did not deserve that. You deserve love, and hugs, and treats… Guess what, today starts the first day of your new life. It’s going to be amazing. I know it’s a little scary right now, but if you trust me, we are going to help you find a home and a family that loves you as much as you love them, okay?” Rocky told Arthur in a YouTube video.
Arthur began to come out of his shell, allowing Rocky to pet him. With every kind word, Arthur’s heart softened a bit more. In time, Arthur will likely fully emerge from his shell and find a family that will give him the life he has always deserved.
Rocky’s patience and understanding highlight the importance of going slow with animals who need time to adjust. He truly is a hero.
