Dog's Up for Adoption Sitting With Dogs Videos
Sitting with a Scared Dog that’s Lived Her ENTIRE Life at the Shelter (500+ Days 😔)
I recently visited the shelter to meet a very special dog named Jocka. Her story is tough, but there’s hope, and I want to share it with you.
Jocka has spent her entire life in the shelter. It’s all she’s ever known, almost like a whale in captivity. You can see the sadness in her eyes and that her behavior is different. But stick around, because there’s a light at the end of this tunnel.
Meeting Jocka
When I first entered Jocka’s kennel, I could feel the weight in the air. It was like walking into a room where something very serious is happening. I got chills, knowing the story we were about to hear would be heavy.
I always remind myself, and I want to remind you too, that the painful past we’re about to learn about is just that – the past. The amazing thing about dogs is their ability to live in the moment. And right now, Jocka’s moment is full of potential for a brighter future.
A Glimpse into the Past
Alexis filled me in on Jocka’s background. She was part of a large animal control case where the owner was charged. The conditions were horrific – imagine a hoarding situation where dogs are locked in an area where the air was toxic with ammonia from urine—it could literally burn your eyes and it’s dangerous to breathe. Thankfully the owner has been charged with neglect.
Animal control stepped in, and Jocka and her siblings were rescued from this nightmare, but the trauma has left its mark. They’ve been at the shelter for over a year, hidden from the public eye until recently.
Building Trust One Treat at a Time
Trying to connect with Jocka was a challenge. At first, she wouldn’t even take treats from me. I tried tossing a few her way, which usually works like a charm with shelter dogs, but Jocka was skeptical. Can you blame her? Her only interactions with humans had mostly been in a shelter setting, which isn’t always the most comforting. I decided to switch tactics, breaking off a bigger piece of the treat, hoping it might entice her more.
As I called out her name gently, “Jocka, do you want a treat?” I saw a slight movement, a little flicker in her eyes. It was a small win in our book of trust.
Despite the slow start, Jocka began to warm up to the idea of me being a friend. I tried the open hand technique next—less intrusive, just an open palm with a treat. It’s a less direct way of offering peace, and guess what? It worked. She cautiously approached and took the treat from my hand. That moment, that’s what I live for. It’s a sign of trust, a sign that despite everything, there’s hope.
The Emotional Weight of Sitting with Jocka
As I sat there with her, talking softly, trying to reassure her, I could feel the gravity of her past experiences weighing on us. I gave her affirmations, “You’re a good girl, Jocka,” hoping to reach through to her, to let her know she’s loved, that she deserves a peaceful, joyful life. This part of our interaction always gets to me, knowing these simple words might be the kindest she’s heard.
The Road to Recovery
Now, Jocka is finally available for adoption. But it’s not going to be an overnight transformation. She’s never known life outside the shelter. She doesn’t know what a couch is, what stairs are, or even what a microwave beep sounds like. Everything will be new to her.
But I can tell you from firsthand experience, taking a dog through this journey is incredibly rewarding. When they finally blossom and become who they truly are, the bond you form is unlike any other.
The Right Home for Jocka
Sam, another shelter staff member who’s been with Jocka since day one, shared some insights about her personality. Despite her tough start, Jocka has a sweet side. She loves to be brushed and enjoys belly rubs. She even got to experience a couch for the first time recently, sitting on it like a cat!
Jocka gets along well with other dogs, but she’ll need slow introductions. She still thinks she’s a puppy, so she might not realize her own size. The ideal adopter for Jocka will be someone patient, willing to put in the time, and committed to helping her adjust to home life.
How You Can Help
Stories like Jocka’s are why I do what I do. But I’ve never saved a dog on my own – rescue is a community effort. If you want to make a difference:
- Volunteer at your local shelter
- Donate to support their work
- Advocate for stricter animal welfare laws in your community
- Consider adopting a dog in need, like Jocka
A Bittersweet Goodbye
When Jocka finally gets adopted, it’ll be emotional for the shelter staff, especially Sam. They’ve formed a strong bond over the past year. But seeing Jocka in a loving home will make it all worthwhile.
If you’re the lucky person who adopts Jocka, I’m officially requiring you to send at least one picture a month to the shelter staff. It means the world to them to see their former residents thriving in their new homes.
And remember, adopting a dog like Jocka isn’t just saving a life; it’s starting a new, beautiful chapter in yours. They bring joy, laughter, and an unparalleled kind of companionship. Let’s make sure every dog gets the chance
