Being involved in animal rescue is an incredibly stressful yet fulfilling job that demands a great deal of patience and sometimes, a touch of creativity.
Many rescued animals struggle with trust issues. They don’t understand that rescuers are trying to help them. This misunderstanding causes them to become extremely defensive, as they try to protect themselves from perceived threats.
The job of a rescuer, then, involves devising the safest method to secure the animal without causing harm to anyone involved.
A memorable instance of such a rescue unfolded in Kern County, California, involving a very stubborn puppy.
A Pup’s Reluctance to Be Rescued
In this particular case, a rescuer named Danny, from the non-profit organization Safefurr Place Animal Rescue based in Kern County, encountered a severely malnourished stray pit bull terrier needing assistance. As soon as Danny approached, it was clear the dog, whom he later named Weston, was in dire straits but still gentle and seemingly calm.
When Weston noticed that Danny had treats, he approached him eagerly, as though he had known Danny his entire life.
“He did everything you’d hope for in a stray. He came right up to me once he saw the treats, and let me pet him while he ate from my hand. I thought this was going to be a breeze,” Danny recounted to The Dodo.
However, Danny’s initial optimism was short-lived. As soon as he brought out a leash, Weston panicked and bolted.
Changing Tactics in Rescue
Determined not to give up, Danny returned the next day with a new strategy. “I figured if I could just cover his eyes briefly, I might manage to slip the leash on him without him noticing,” Danny explained. This approach took patience, but eventually, it seemed to work.
Just as Danny managed to get the leash around Weston’s neck, the dog got startled and yanked hard, breaking free from Danny’s grasp. “I was devastated. I was really worried,” he said.
When Danny located Weston again, the dog no longer trusted him. This time, Danny called for backup.
A woman named Sheila came to help, and with her approach, Weston relented, allowing the rescuers to secure him.
Gaining Trust and Confidence
Once at the shelter, Weston was still terrified of the leash. Sheila and the shelter staff knew they had to be patient with him. They started by simply placing the leash over his head and letting him lead the way during walks.
The shelter staff also decided to walk another dog, Ginger, alongside Weston, hoping he would see that the leash was safe.
Over time, Weston began to understand that the leash was not a threat. Eventually, he even started to get excited at the sight of it, knowing it meant it was time for a walk. “The first time he started doing zoomies, I knew he’d be okay,” Sheila reflected.
A New Chapter Begins
Weston, now rechristened as Westly, continued to grow in confidence and eventually found a forever home just in time to add joy to the holiday season. His new family worked hard to build his confidence and deepen their bond.
Westly’s new mom, Michaela, said, “When we first got him in early December, he lacked self-confidence, so we put a lot of effort into building a strong bond with him, and it definitely made our holiday season much more adventurous and fun.”
Westly also found a furry sibling in Izzy, with whom he clicked immediately. Now, Westly enjoys his days filled with playful dates, long walks, and abundant love. He no longer needs to scrounge for scraps, as he has a loving family that looks after all his needs.
A Tail of Happiness
Westly’s journey from a fearful stray to a beloved family pet underscores the challenges and triumphs of animal rescue. Each rescue mission comes with its set of hurdles, but the reward of seeing a once-frightened animal blossom into a happy, confident pet makes all the effort worthwhile.
