Every dog deserves a loving home. Sadly, some dogs like Mama, a pitbull, face the harsh reality of abandonment. Being left alone can leave deep emotional scars, making it extremely difficult for these dogs to trust humans again.
Mama’s story began in the harsh fields of California, where she was left to survive on her own. This nervous pitbull spent many months alone, without any human contact, which only intensified her fear of people.
Despite her fear, Mama’s fate changed dramatically the day a compassionate individual decided to step in and help her.
Abandoned and Alone
Source: A Safefurr Place Animal Rescue
Mama was found in a remote part of California, far from any human settlements. Her fear of people was so intense that she would flee whenever anyone tried to approach her. It seemed that she had a particular distrust of humans, which made rescuing her a significant challenge.
It was unclear why Mama was so afraid of people, but her reaction suggested a past filled with negative experiences with humans. Despite the difficulty, her story took a turn for the better when a kind-hearted man noticed her plight and decided to intervene.
The Rescue Begins
Source: A Safefurr Place Animal Rescue
Danny Spanks, a well-known radio DJ from Bakersfield and founder of A SafeFurr Place Animal Rescue, has a long history of rescuing dogs in distress. Even before he met Mama, Danny had helped save numerous dogs from dire situations.
Transforming a frightened, mistreated dog into a happy and healthy one has always been Danny’s passion. When he learned about Mama, he knew he had to help her.
Before Danny’s involvement, many people had posted online about a pitbull hiding in the fields near a road, away from any populated areas. Mama had somehow managed to survive 15 months on her own before Danny first saw her.
Source: A Safefurr Place Animal Rescue
A Safe Haven for Mama
Upon discovering Mama, Danny wasn’t sure why she was abandoned, but he suspected that she had been used for breeding and then discarded. This assumption was based on the common yet heartbreaking practice of using dogs for breeding and then leaving them to fend for themselves.
When Danny first found Mama, she was hiding next to a pile of trash that included discarded furniture. To help her, Danny quickly set up a makeshift shelter and feeding station to ensure she wouldn’t stray too far.
Source: A Safefurr Place Animal Rescue
Patience Leads to Trust
Each day, Danny dedicated about an hour to visit Mama. Knowing her fear of humans, he would sit quietly in the orchard with food, turning his back to her to make her feel less threatened. This routine continued for months, with Danny patiently waiting for Mama to come closer.
After several months of this gentle approach, Mama slowly began to trust Danny. She cautiously approached him from behind, sniffed him, took some food, and then quickly ran away. This small act of trust was a huge victory in Danny’s efforts to win her over.
Source: A Safefurr Place Animal Rescue
Building a Bond
Danny’s persistence paid off over the next few months as he continued his daily visits. Mama began to recognize the sound of his car and would excitedly perform zoomies from a distance whenever she heard him approach.
One breakthrough day, Danny lay on the ground with treats in his hand and waited. After careful consideration, Mama approached him and took the treats directly from his hand. This was the first time she had made direct contact with him, a moment of joy for Danny.
A New Approach to Rescue
As their bond strengthened, Mama began to follow Danny around and take treats directly from his hand. However, she was still wary of being leashed. To safely rescue her, Danny and a few friends set a humane trap with food inside. When Mama entered the trap, they knew she was finally safe.
Mama Finds a Forever Home
After months of building trust and socializing, Mama transformed into a wonderful companion. Danny was overwhelmed with happiness as he watched her interact confidently with other dogs and even children.
One of her favorite humans turned out to be Danny’s young neighbor, Ryden. The bond between Mama and Ryden was special, and it was clear she adored him above anyone else.
A Happy Ending
Danny decided to adopt Mama permanently, giving her the stable and loving home she deserved. Watching her thrive and knowing she would never have to worry about being abandoned again was the greatest reward for all the hard work and patience.
Mama’s journey from a scared, abandoned dog to a beloved family member is a heartwarming reminder of the resilience of dogs and the transformative power of compassion and patience in rescue efforts.
