At times, people often overlook that dogs possess feelings just like us.
They can experience joy during a playful day with friends, yet they can also suffer from heartbreak when they find that their supposed best friend—human—mistreats them.
Many overlook these emotions, believing that since they are animals, it’s unnecessary to treat them with kindness and dignity.
Sadly, many dogs who endure this mistreatment develop a distrust of humans, making it challenging for those who wish to help, as they must rebuild that trust anew.
Frightful Pup
During a year and a half of searching for a dog to foster, Kelly never expected to find the ideal companion.
Sadly, this sweet pup had previously encountered some cruel humans, leading him to be extremely timid and hesitant.
“When we picked him up, he was visibly terrified. He wouldn’t even look at us in the car. Someone had really let him down,” Kelly mentioned to The Dodo.
The dog, named Walt, struggled to interact with his new family. He had no experience with love or the concept of home… so much that he even avoided entering the house, choosing to sleep and live outside instead.
Even when he mustered the courage to step inside, he remained confined to the hallway, avoiding all other rooms.
For hours on end, he would simply sit and stare blankly at a wall, hesitant to disrupt anyone.
“Even when I tried to comfort him by touching him, he would flinch as if he anticipated harm,” she recounted.
Kelly did everything within her power to reassure Walt that he was in a safe place, providing comfort and even setting up a bed for him.
However, poor Walt remained unaware that the bed was meant for him, so he continued to sleep on the floor.
Time Heals
After spending some time in a nurturing and secure environment, Walt finally began to understand that he was home.
“What made me realize that he felt safe here – I would be sitting on the couch watching TV, and he would come over and nuzzle his head under my hand, as if to say, ‘Love me’. Initially, he had no clue what that even meant when we first brought him home,” Kelly added.
Walt also began to engage in play with Kelly regularly, inventing a jumping game that encouraged more interaction, further strengthening their bond.
Whenever she went into the backyard with him, Walt would sprint in circles around her, creating a whirlwind of grass with his joyful zoomies.
Walt also began warming up to Kelly’s other dog. Despite the significant size difference, the two found a joyful rhythm in their companionship.
Kelly felt overwhelmed with happiness, realizing that she had successfully provided Walt with the loving home he deserved.
“This has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. To uplift a dog from a terrible situation and grant them what they truly deserve… they ought to receive nothing less than love from humans,” Kelly concluded.
Final Word
Now, Walt is enjoying a life that he has always deserved.
Transforming from a dog who shunned eye contact to one who longs to be around his favorite humans, Walt is truly a joyful pup.
This remarkable transformation would not have been achievable without Kelly – a kind soul who recognized the potential hidden beneath a facade of fear.
Thank you, Kelly! And thanks to all those devoted humans out there who work tirelessly to rescue dogs in need.
You are all true heroes!
