Watch this Scared Border Collie React to His First Toy
The first thing you notice about Zeus is how skinny he is. You expect Border Collies to be full of energy, built for running and working, but Zeus looked like he’d been through a lot. His ribs were sticking out, and his coat was dirty and matted. But the most heartbreaking thing? It wasn’t just his physical state—it was the look in his eyes. The rapid blinking, the fear—it was like he didn’t know what to expect from people anymore.
Starting From Zero
When I first sat down with Zeus, it was clear we were starting from scratch. He was nervous, blinking like crazy, and staying as far back in his kennel as he could. You know how people tend to adopt dogs that wag their tails and make eye contact? Zeus wasn’t doing any of that. He was shutting down. If we didn’t do something to help him come out of his shell, he might just get overlooked—and in shelters, that’s a dangerous place to be.
Zeus took a little bit to warm up, but I noticed something: even though he was scared, he wasn’t completely closed off. He started sniffing the air around me, his nose working overtime. That’s a good sign—it’s like a dog’s way of testing the waters. I figured if I could get him to take a treat, we’d be on the right track.
Hunger or Trust?
Now, here’s the thing with shelter dogs like Zeus—you’ve gotta be careful not to mistake hunger for trust. When a dog is as skinny as Zeus, they’re gonna be all about the food, but that doesn’t mean they trust you yet. So, I gave him a few treats, and sure enough, he took them. At first, I wasn’t sure if he was just starving or if we were actually making progress. But then something clicked. He started coming a little closer, cautiously, but willingly.
With each treat, Zeus was learning that maybe people aren’t so bad after all. That’s a huge deal for a dog like him, who’s probably been let down more than once.
Two Collars, No Answers
Zeus showed up at the shelter with not one but two collars, and neither had an ID tag or any kind of information. No microchip, nothing. It’s one of those frustrating mysteries.
Officer Matthews, the animal control officer who found him, shared how Zeus had been spotted wandering on and off a property for a while. When the officer arrived, Zeus was crossing a busy street, and Matthews had to stop traffic to make sure he didn’t get hit. It was clear from the start that Zeus was skittish and afraid, but the officer was patient, sitting down on the ground and offering jerky treats to earn his trust.
Zeus, cautious but hungry, eventually started inching closer, lured by the treats. The officer noted that Zeus had two collars but no microchip or ID tag, making it impossible to track down an owner. It’s possible Zeus had been roaming for days, maybe even weeks, before finally being brought to safety. The fact that no one claimed him still leaves a lot of questions, but what’s clear is that Zeus was in need of help—and now, he’s getting the care and attention he deserves.
Fear or Just Tired?
Zeus wasn’t just scared—he was exhausted. A lot of dogs in shelters don’t sleep well because the environment is so stressful. But after spending some time together, I noticed Zeus starting to calm down. His rapid blinking slowed, and he seemed to realize that he didn’t have to be on high alert anymore. I watched his body language shift—his tail wasn’t tucked as tightly, and his eyes weren’t as frantic.
Was he nervous? Sure. But he was also tired. Sometimes, all these dogs need is a little companionship to relax and remember what it’s like to just be a dog.
A Toy Brings Out His Playful Side
After some time sitting with Zeus, I decided to try something different—a toy. I pulled out a squeaky toy, not really sure what his reaction would be. At first, he just stared at it, like he wasn’t sure what to make of it. I gave it a little squeak, and that’s when his ears perked up. For a second, I could see a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes, something we hadn’t seen all day.
I tossed the toy gently in his direction, and while he didn’t go all out for it, he did sniff at it, nudging it a little with his nose. It wasn’t a full-blown playful reaction, but it was something. It was like Zeus was starting to remember what it felt like to be a dog again, and that’s a huge win. Slowly but surely, he’s coming back to life—one small step at a time.
Cleaning Zeus Up: A New Beginning
We were lucky to have Mel, the shelter groomer, step in to give Zeus the spa treatment he desperately needed. He was filthy—his coat was matted, and you could barely see the beautiful black-and-white pattern underneath all that grime. The lavender shampoo was calming, and even though Zeus wasn’t a big fan of the dryer, he let Mel do her thing.
By the end of the grooming session, Zeus looked like a different dog. But more importantly, he felt different. His posture changed, and there was a hint of confidence creeping in. He still had a long way to go, but you could tell that being clean and cared for made a difference.
What’s Next for Zeus?
Zeus has made some progress, but he still needs help. Border Collies are working dogs—they need to be mentally and physically challenged, and they need structure. Zeus is going to need a home where someone understands that and is willing to put in the effort. He’s smart, loyal, and once he fully trusts someone, he’s going to be an incredible companion.
But right now, he’s in a vulnerable spot. The good news is that he’s starting to come out of his shell. He’s accepting treats, showing signs of trust, and even coming to the front of his kennel instead of hiding in the back. That’s a huge win.
So, here’s where you come in. Zeus needs a home, and the best way to help him find one is by sharing his story. Let’s get the word out and find Zeus the forever family he deserves. He’s been through enough, and it’s time for him to finally know what it’s like to be wanted.
