Cody was a homeless pit bull who spent his life navigating the rough streets, scavenging for food to stay alive.
When animal rescuers first spotted him wandering alone in a neighborhood, Cody was unsure how to respond.
The team from the iPittytheBull Foundation attempted to catch him to give him a chance at a better life, but having never experienced kindness before, Cody fought to escape their reach.
Fortunately, the rescuers were committed to removing him from the streets and providing him with a place where he would be valued for who he was.
Rescue Mission
The rescuers from California successfully placed a leash around Cody’s neck, but they faced significant challenges getting him into their vehicle.
“He chewed through three leashes. He was a very skittish dog,” John shared with The Dodo.
After exhausting various methods, they concluded that enticing Cody into a crate with some tasty treats was their best bet. Fortunately, this approach proved much more effective, allowing them to bring the frightened pup to their welcoming shelter.
Once at the shelter and after settling in, John realized the importance of allowing Cody to acclimate at his own rhythm.
Cody struggled to grasp what was happening and who the other individuals around him were. As a result, he predominantly stayed in his room, reluctant to venture out.
“Getting him out of his room was a process. Once we were out, he was like, ‘Oh, let’s take a walk’,” John recounted.
Watching him outside, basking in the sunshine and fresh air, filled John with immense joy and pride for Cody.
He recognized that taking things slowly and allowing Cody to develop trust at his own pace was the most effective approach to encourage him to open up.
Eventually, John found that he didn’t need to persuade Cody much to go outside. Whenever he entered Cody’s room and mentioned it was time for some fresh air, Cody would gradually follow him to the shelter’s backyard.
But one day, while outdoors, Cody encountered a cardboard box that had not been there before.
“Any little change sent him back into panic mode. Things most of us overlook were significant to a sensitive dog like him. It required guiding him safely past the box because he clearly didn’t want to go near it,” John explained.
He decided to leash Cody while comforting him that the box posed no threat.
Once Cody saw his human companion alongside him holding the leash, he mustered up the bravery to walk past the box and resume his day.
Easy Does It
Cody truly began to thrive during his daily walks.
He relishes long strolls with his humans, soaking up the Californian sunshine and the stunning surroundings. Although he remained somewhat cautious when unfamiliar people passed by, Cody didn’t let that interfere with his enjoyment.
“You get a feeling. You just know. You feel like, ‘This dog is going to be okay’,” stated John.
After some time, Cody caught the attention of a loving family who instantly fell for his charm. Shortly thereafter, he left the shelter and became their precious new companion.
He was no longer the frightened pup who perceived a cardboard box as a threat.
Thanks to his rescue, Cody was able to put his past behind him, rebuild his trust in humans, and find a family that would love and cherish him as he deserved.
“He is probably one of the best dogs I’ve ever encountered,” John concluded.
Final Word
It truly warms my heart to hear a story about a dog who, with the support of compassionate humans, learns to trust again.
I have no doubt that his time on the streets was filled with challenges and that summoning the courage to start anew was no easy feat. However, he succeeded.
Cody, I’m incredibly proud of the wonderful dog you’ve become, and John, I can’t thank you enough for your patience and kindness towards this sweet boy—you are a true hero!
