When rescuers Hanah Hueston and Kathleen Orcutt learned of a frightened Husky abandoned by the lake, they quickly gathered their gear and set out to save her. Upon arrival, they found the dog curled up on the dock, visibly terrified. As soon as Mingo, the pup’s newly adopted name, noticed their presence, she cautiously approached the edge of the dock, her tail tucked and her eyes filled with fear. It was clear that she had experienced some trauma, and the rescuers were unsure of her past experiences.
Mingo Is Brought To Safety
As Orcutt cautiously approached Mingo, the pup remained paralyzed with fear, bending her head while desperately searching for an escape route. “And the closer I got to her, even as slow as I was going, she was looking around, looking for her exit route. She wanted to go past me, but she was too scared to,” Orcutt recounted in an interview. Fortunately, Mingo didn’t jump into the lake; instead, Orcutt was able to slip a leash over her neck, ensuring her safety.
Once they arrived at the Vermilion County Animal Regulations and Animal Shelter in Danville, Illinois, the rescuers realized that Mingo was confused and lacked trust, evidencing a life spent mainly outdoors. She growled when approached, continuously exhibiting her fear by keeping her tail tucked. Despite her cautious demeanor, the rescuers exhibited patience, allowing her to acclimate to the new environment. They began building trust by offering treats and gentle touches. “We started just small, light touches, and if she didn’t like it, we would stop,” Hueston explained.
The Pup Starts Coming Out Of Her Shell
Positive changes occurred when Mingo was introduced to a shelter dog named Ralphy; for the first time, she raised her tail and perked up her ears. Gradually, Mingo began trusting her human companions and reclaiming her confidence. Hueston was overjoyed when Mingo finally allowed her to pet her, her tail wagging and a smile appearing on her face.
Both the shelter staff and Mingo’s rescuers took pride in the significant progress she had made. They hoped that a loving and patient family would soon adopt her, helping her heal fully. After three weeks in their care, Mingo transitioned from the Illinois shelter to a rescue organization. Fortunately, she captured the hearts of a wonderful family eager to provide her with all the love she had missed out on. Huge thanks are due to her incredible rescuers who stepped in to give Mingo a chance at a normal and happy life.
