Many of us who have previously cared for a dog understand how quickly we can learn their behaviors. It often feels instinctive.
Given that our species has coexisted for over 30,000 years, this makes sense. Nevertheless, there are exceptions.
Some dogs, particularly those with limited human interaction, may exhibit fear and hesitation.
This narrative centers on a particular pup who was anxious about meeting his new foster parents.
Fears of the Poodle
After their first encounter, his foster parents realized that helping this dog overcome his fears was going to be a challenging journey.
The only human connection the Poodle had was with a homeless man, his owner for a significant time.
Due to substance misuse issues, his owner sought treatment and was unable to care for the dog, leading to his surrender at a shelter or foster home.
That’s when Serena and her husband entered the picture. As the pup was unfamiliar with socializing with others, they needed to devise strategies to help him feel at ease.
Whenever they walked into a room, their foster dog exhibited signs of uncertainty. It was hard to determine if he was excited to see them or not.
Serena shared with GeoBeats Animals: “My husband had never owned a dog before, so there were moments when he thought, what have we gotten ourselves into?”
Gradual Transformation
He enjoyed spending time indoors while also acting as the household protector. His foster parents were unsure how to provide support in this regard but wanted to show their affection in some way.
Serena observed that the Poodle seemed to be uncomfortable around her husband, growling at him whenever she left the room.
The couple had no insight into the Poodle’s past experiences or whether he had faced any abuse, but they felt terrible about his fear of people.
The Poodle was also dealing with several health concerns, requiring medications like ear drops for his wellbeing.
Serena explained: “He was born with an additional paw and a malformed wrist joint. While fostering him, he underwent significant surgery for a giant breed dog at just a year old.”
It took an entire year before they all adapted, and the Poodle eventually conquered his fear of humans.
The Adorable Poodle
He underwent a remarkable transformation. He delighted in playtime, and his foster parents made sure to dedicate time for it whenever possible.
Serena reflects: “He’s just so playful and silly. Watching him play brings the purest joy.”
Despite his initial apprehension towards her husband, they ultimately formed a strong bond as best friends.
It’s heartwarming to observe their companionship and see the Poodle’s newfound bravery and changed demeanor.
Living close to the beach allowed for endless enjoyable moments.
Although they initially planned to foster him temporarily, it wasn’t long before the arrangement evolved into a permanent adoption.
Both Serena and her husband decided to officially adopt the Poodle, and their happiness was palpable. It’s heartwarming to see how wonderfully everything turned out for him.
