Envisioning the difficulty for dogs, once accustomed to a loving home, transitioning to shelter life is nearly impossible. Shifting from a comfortable environment as the sole pet (or one of a few) to the harsh realities of a kennel is frightening and can leave lasting emotional traumas on these dogs.
When Luna, a one-year-old American Staffy mix, first arrived at a local shelter in Texas, she was filled with fear.
Luna had never known life outside her home, and the cacophony of loud noises she encountered for the first time was incredibly distressing for this forsaken girl.
All she had at the time was her beloved Teddy bear toy that she had come with, and she clung to it for dear life.
This is her journey!
Frightened and Anxious
Luna was brought to San Antonio Animal Care Services by her previous owners. While her backstory is pretty unclear, it is suspected that her high-energy disposition led to her surrender.
Upon entering her kennel for the first time, Luna clearly exhibited signs of stress. She trembled constantly and shunned any interaction with the staff.
Her sole attachment was to the Teddy bear toy that had accompanied her during her surrender, as it retained the feel and scent of her former home.
Luna wouldn’t let it out of her sight; it was the only piece of familiarity amidst a sea of uncertainty around her.
Lisa Norwood, the SAACS PR manager, noted that Luna utilized her stuffed toy for solace, highlighting how vital familiarity is during stressful moments. In a sense, that Teddy bear served as a reminder of her previous life.
As days passed, Luna’s true personality began to emerge. She exuded a wealth of energy and charm, and the staff felt immense joy watching her break free from her shell.
Due to the numerous inquiries and interest in this abandoned dog, Luna is not facing euthanization. Instead, the staff are committed to doing everything within their power to find her a loving home.
On the Hunt for a New Home
Vermont English Bulldog Rescue has agreed to temporarily relocate Luna to their facility while they search for a suitable family. The shelter she was at was overcrowded and too noisy for her, so a calmer environment is essential for her to regain her social skills.
The staff at SAACS genuinely hopes that Luna will soon find her ideal home. This lovely dog requires an owner who possesses the patience and flexible schedule needed to help her thrive and reach her full potential.
Beneath her insecurities lies a lively, playful, and joyful girl who truly enjoys life. All she needs now is someone to remind her of that! We are absolutely certain that the right person is just around the corner!
