The role of an animal rescuer, orchestrating rescue operations, is incredibly challenging and demands a great deal of patience and often, a creative approach.
Many animals struggle with trust and may not realize that rescuers are there to help them. Consequently, these animals often enter a defensive state, believing they need to protect themselves from perceived threats.
It becomes the rescuer’s responsibility to determine the safest and most effective method for capturing the animal without causing distress to any party involved.
A notable rescue took place in Kern County, California, where a pup was resolutely unwilling to accept help.
Rescue Mission
When Danny, a rescuer from the non-profit organization Safefurr Place Animal Rescue based in Kern County, stumbled upon a severely malnourished stray pit bull in desperate need of assistance, he quickly approached the pup.
The dog, named Weston, displayed a calm and gentle demeanor. Upon noticing the treats Danny had, the hungry pup approached him eagerly, as if they were long-time friends.
“He exhibited all the behaviors you would hope for in a stray dog. He came right up to me when he saw the treats. He was eating from my hand and I was able to pet him. I thought, ‘This is going to be a piece of cake!’” Danny shared with The Dodo.
However, Danny soon discovered that the rescue wouldn’t be as straightforward as he had anticipated. The moment Weston spotted the leash, he became frightened and took off running.
Unfazed, Danny was determined and returned the very next day with a new plan.
“I thought, ‘If I can just gently cover his eyes for a few seconds, it might give me the opportunity to slip the leash over his neck without him noticing.’ It took some time, but eventually, he ended up just where I needed him,” Danny recounted.
As he secured the leash around Weston’s neck, Danny felt a wave of relief. But then, an unfortunate incident transpired.
Weston became startled and started to yank on the leash, trying to break free. After a brief struggle, the leash slipped from Danny’s grasp, and Weston bolted.
“I felt devastated. I was extremely worried,” he reflected.
Even when Danny managed to track him down again, Weston’s trust had dwindled. Danny needed to call for backup.
When Sheila arrived and approached the frightened dog, Weston surrendered almost immediately, allowing the rescuers to secure him safely.
As Danny reflected on his earlier approaches, he now wisely brought a crate and gently tapped Weston on his back, signaling it was alright for him to enter.
Finally, Weston was secure and safe.
New Life
Upon arriving at the shelter, Weston still exhibited fear towards the leash and would act defensively upon seeing it.
Consequently, Sheila and the team chose to approach the situation very delicately. When taking him for walks, they placed the leash over his head but allowed him to take the lead.
The staff also chose to take another dog, named Ginger, for a walk alongside Weston, anticipating that he would observe her and realize everything was fine.
After a dedicated effort, Weston finally came to understand that the leash was not a threat and began getting excited whenever he saw it, recognizing it as an indication of outdoor adventures.
Once he overcame his fear of the leash, Weston blossomed, often displaying exuberant zoomies at every opportunity.
“In that moment, I knew he was going to be okay,” Sheila remarked.
Weston was far more than just “okay.” Before long, this once timid pup not only thrived but also found a permanent family who would love and cherish him, just as he always deserved.
Forever Home
“We brought him home in early December, and he certainly made our holiday season much more adventurous and joyful. Weston, now named Westly, initially struggled with self-confidence, so we dedicated ourselves to building that bond,” recounted Michaela, Westly’s new mom.
In addition to a loving family, Westly was also welcomed by a furry sibling named Izzy, with whom he instantly formed a connection.
Westly is now enjoying a life full of fun playdates, long walks, and boundless love. No longer does he have to scavenge for crumbs to survive, as he has a caring mom who meets all of his needs.
Good boy, Westly!
