Watch the moment this scared Yorkie decides to come out of hiding 🥹
Recently, I got a call from the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society about a group of dogs in desperate need. Little did I know I was about to meet two of the most scared – and ultimately, most inspiring – pups I’ve ever encountered.
The Heartbreaking Backstory
Ramses is a one-year-old Border Terrier mix currently at the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society in San Gabriel, California. He and his four siblings—Akila, Chancho, Esqueletto, and Raven—were found in a box on a street corner, scared and abandoned. The family who found them brought them to the shelter, but there’s some suspicion that the family might have been their original owners.
The First Encounter
When Ramses and his siblings arrived at the shelter, they were understandably terrified. The staff had to wrap them in towels just to vaccinate and health check them because they were so fear-aggressive. Out of the five, Ramses is one of the two most likely to bite. It’s clear that he needs a lot of patience and love to help him overcome his fear and learn to trust again.
The Power of Patience (and Treats!)
Now, let’s dive into what happened when I first sat down with Ramses. As soon as I approached him, he was growling and clearly uncomfortable. The shelter was noisy, with a sump pump running due to the heat, adding to his stress. But I knew I had to be patient and gentle. I started by setting down a blanket, speaking softly, and offering treats.
Ramses was hesitant at first, but slowly, he began to show some interest in the treats. I used a long spoon to offer them to avoid getting bitten. The little guy was scared out of his mind, but the smell of the treats was too tempting for him to resist. He started eating the treats, and his tail, which was initially erect and angry, began to drop as he focused on the food.
The Breakthrough Moment
As I continued to sit with Ramses, I noticed that his fear was gradually giving way to curiosity. I used my Pac-Man treat method, placing treats in a line leading closer to me. At first, he would get close, then retreat, but each time, he got a little braver. His fear was still very much present, but the treats were helping to break through that fear.
One of the biggest breakthroughs was when Ramses began to take treats directly from my hand. This was a huge step for him and showed that he was starting to trust me. He even began to sniff my fingers, checking me out, which was a massive sign of progress.
You guys, I wish you could’ve seen it. One minute, Ramses was all growls and glares. The next? He was sniffing my hand, wagging his tail, and even – get this – letting me pet him! I’m telling you, I nearly cried. It just goes to show what a little patience and love can do.
Understanding Ramses
I can’t stress enough how important it is to understand that Ramses’ aggression is purely fear-based. He’s not a bad dog; he’s just scared. He’s been through so much trauma that he’s constantly on high alert. But with time and patience, he can learn to trust and love.
Ramses was likely named to fit a “Nacho Libre” movie theme, with his siblings named Chancho and Esqueletto. It’s a funny little detail in his story, but it highlights the importance of giving him and his siblings a chance at a happy life.
Ramses needs a patient and loving family, likely without small children, as he can be easily threatened and needs careful handling. He’s still learning how to be a dog, and he requires time, space, and dedication. But in time, Ramses will become a loyal companion.
The San Gabriel Valley Humane Society cannot transport him to an adopter’s location, so you must visit in person if you’re interested in giving Ramses a forever home.
Akila’s Arrival
Akila is another one of the five Border Terrier mix puppies found in a box on a street corner in San Gabriel, California. Like his brother Ramses, Akila arrived at the San Gabriel Valley Humane Society scared and unsure of his surroundings. At just one year old, Akila has already experienced a lot of upheaval in his young life, and it shows in his timid demeanor.
First Impressions
When I first approached Akila, he seemed even more sensitive and shut down than Ramses. While Ramses showed some initial bravado, Akila’s fear was written all over his face. His eyes were wide with uncertainty, and his little body was tense, indicating he was ready to bolt at any moment. Unlike Ramses, Akiia didn’t growl or bark; instead, he tried to make himself as small as possible, hoping to avoid any interaction.
Building Trust
I knew I had to take a different approach with Akila. He wasn’t interested in treats like Ramses, so I had to rely more on gentle words and soft touches. Slowly, I inched closer, speaking calmly and offering my hand for him to sniff. It took time, but eventually, Akila started to respond. He didn’t come out from his hiding spot immediately, but he began to relax a bit, showing that he was at least willing to give me a chance.
A Breakthrough Moment
One of the most touching moments was when Akila finally allowed me to pet him. He was incredibly tense at first, but as I continued to gently scratch under his chin, he started to relax. His little body, so rigid with fear, began to soften. It was clear that Akila had probably never experienced much affection, and while he was still unsure, he seemed to enjoy the gentle touch. This small moment of trust was a huge step forward for him.
The Road Ahead
Look, I’m not gonna sugarcoat it. These dogs have a long way to go. They’re not going to be the easiest pups to adopt out. But for the right family? Man, the bond they’ll form will be unbreakable.
Why Separation Matters
Now, I know some of you might be wondering – why aren’t these dogs kept together? Trust me, I get it. But here’s the deal: when they’re all in a group, they can feed off each other’s fear. Keeping them separate allows each pup to develop their own personality and learn to trust humans one-on-one.
A Message to Potential Adopters
If you’re thinking about adopting a dog like Ramses or Akila, first off – you rock. Seriously. But here’s what you need to know:
- It’s gonna take time. We’re talking months, maybe even longer.
- You need patience. Lots of it.
- Small kids probably aren’t a good idea, at least not at first.
- Be prepared for setbacks. They’ll happen, but don’t give up!
Here’s the thing, though. When you help a dog like this overcome their fears? There’s nothing like it. The bond you’ll form, the trust you’ll build – it’s life-changing, for both of you.
How You Can Help
Maybe you can’t adopt right now, and that’s okay! You can still make a huge difference:
- Share their story. The more people who know, the better chance these pups have of finding their forever homes.
- Support your local shelters. Trust me, they need it.
- Educate others about rescue dogs. Not every pup comes perfectly trained and socialized, and that’s okay!
A Final Thought
Watching Ramses go from growling to giving kisses, seeing Akila slowly relax in my arms – those are the moments that make this work worth it. These dogs have been through hell, but they’ve still got so much love to give. They just need someone to give them a chance.
So, what do you say? Are you ready to change a life? Because I guarantee, these pups will change yours too.
Remember, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being there, being patient, and being kind. And in the end? That’s what really matters.
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