It’s incredibly heartbreaking to witness a dog in trauma. The knowledge that their fear stems from a series of distressing events is truly soul crushing. Raoul, sadly, never experienced the brighter side of life; he endured existence crammed into a trailer with over thirty other dogs, struggling to survive, deprived of basic needs like socialization and a loving touch. So when help finally came, his shock was palpable.
Raoul Never Felt A Loving Touch
Thanks to SPCA of Texas, Raoul and many of his siblings were rescued from their dire situation. Given his heartbreaking condition, he was quickly transferred to Hearts & Bones Rescue in New York City and Dallas, Texas. There, Raoul found a nurturing foster home with Whitney, who embraced him tightly.
“Raoul is one of 36 animals that was seized from a deplorable situation in Texas,” Whitney shared on Instagram.
However, things turned out to be more complicated than anyone had anticipated. Raoul was not only terrified, but he literally shook in his crate constantly. Each time Whitney attempted to engage with him, he’d tremble even more. “He’s just so, so scared and has had very little human contact until he was rescued,” she noted. He wouldn’t even glance at people, often hiding behind larger dogs and avoiding anything resembling human interaction.
For the first week and a half, he steadfastly clung to his crate, observing from a safe vantage point. Meanwhile, Whitney crafted a gradual approach to help Raoul acclimatize. She gently spoke to him, offered treats, respected his space, and consistently moved slowly. These baby steps—though seemingly trivial—turned out to be exactly what Raoul needed!
He’s Finally Trusting Again
On his 10th day with Whitney, Raoul achieved significant progress. He took tentative steps from his crate and even accepted a treat from Whitney’s hand, marking the first sign of his newfound comfort. It was a thrilling moment for her to witness him stop shaking, showing he was beginning to trust her.
Over the weeks, Raoul continued to come out of his shell. He played with other dogs, allowed strangers to hold him, and enjoyed delightful cuddle sessions with Whitney. He gradually began embracing all the “doggo things,” and it was absolutely wonderful to see!
And guess what? Raoul has finally allowed his foster mama to give him a nice bath. He’s now all about discovering the simple joys of life and eagerly preparing for a brand-new adventure!
“He’s shown his potential in the short time we’ve had with him, and I know that once he finds his permanent home, he’s going to be amazing,” Whitney shared.
