Watch this Shelter dog’s Reaction When I Tell Her It Wasn’t Her Fault
When you walk into a shelter, you never really know what kind of dog you’ll be meeting. Today, I met Lucy, a beautiful black German Shepherd, and she wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. If you were to ask someone what the most common breed in shelters is, they’d probably say Pitbulls. But let me tell you, it’s actually German Shepherds, and when you combine all the shepherd breeds, they take the top spot, followed by Huskies. These dogs don’t fare well in a shelter environment because they’re meant to be out working, using their natural focus and prey drive. Every sound, every movement is amplified in the shelter, making it a really tough place for them.
As soon as I walked in today, the staff pointed me to Lucy. They told me I had to sit with her, and honestly, I didn’t even want to know her story at first. I just wanted to meet her without any preconceptions.
The Silent Struggle
Lucy didn’t move at all when I entered her kennel. She was almost too still, and I couldn’t get a read on her. Normally, when I sit with dogs that are scared or shut down, they try to melt into the corner or dart out the door. Those reactions, as unsettling as they can be, at least give me something to work with. But Lucy was different. She was so scared and stoic at the same time that it was hard to tell what she was feeling.
I decided to try offering her a treat to see if that would break the ice. It’s a small gesture, but sometimes it’s all you need to create a little crack in the door. I tossed a treat over to her, and she didn’t eat it, but she did take it. That tiny acceptance was enough to give me hope. Sometimes, all it takes is that little moment, that little acknowledgment, to start building trust.
The Heartbreaking Truth
After spending some time with Lucy, I felt it was important to learn her story. Alexis filled me in on the details. Lucy is only about ten months old—still just a puppy—and this is her second time at the shelter. Earlier this year, she was found as a stray, scared and alone, on a large property. When she was first brought in, pairing her with another dog really helped her come out of her shell, and she was eventually adopted.
But things took a sad turn. Lucy’s owner recently had to bring her back because her husband passed away suddenly, and she was forced to move away. The owner was heartbroken, and even Lucy cried when they had to say goodbye. It’s moments like these that make you realize just how deeply dogs feel and how much they love their families.
Building Trust, One Treat at a Time
After learning Lucy’s story, I felt even more connected to her. I could see why she was so shut down and scared—she had lost her family, her sense of safety, and now she was back in a place that was overwhelming and unfamiliar. But I wasn’t going to give up on her.
I tried offering her another treat, and this time, she took it more willingly. It might not seem like a big deal, but for a dog like Lucy, this was a huge step. It was a sign that she was starting to trust me, even just a little bit. And for me, that was everything.
I know that getting a black shepherd like Lucy adopted won’t be easy. They’re often the last ones to go out the door, especially when they’re as scared as she is. But I’ve partnered with Sundays for Dogs, a company that makes incredible dog food, and they’ve agreed to provide food for an entire year to whoever adopts Lucy. It’s a small gesture, but it’s one that might make all the difference in helping her find a new home.
A New Beginning
As I continued to spend time with Lucy, I could see her slowly starting to open up. She began to take more treats, and even though she was still cautious, there were moments when she let her guard down just a little bit. I knew that with time, she would learn to trust again.
I also realized that Lucy would do better with another dog by her side. She had been paired with a dog named Reese until this morning, but Reese was adopted, leaving Lucy alone. I talked to the shelter staff about bringing in another dog to be her companion, and they agreed to find a good match for her.
In the meantime, I wanted to keep working with Lucy, helping her build confidence and feel safe. I knew that she had so much love to give, and I was determined to help her find a family that would cherish her.
Love, Loss, and Moving Forward
As I sat with Lucy, I couldn’t help but think about my own dog, Flip, who passed away not too long ago. Losing a dog is one of the hardest things you can go through, and I still feel the pain of that loss every day. But I also know that love doesn’t end when a dog passes away. It continues on in the memories we cherish and the bonds we form with other dogs.
Lucy’s story is heartbreaking, but it’s also a story of hope. She lost her family, but she hasn’t lost her spirit. And with a little time, patience, and love, I know she’ll find a new home where she’ll be loved just as much as she deserves.
As I left Lucy’s kennel, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to her. I promised her that she was safe now, and that everything was going to be okay. She might not understand every word, but I think she felt it. And that’s what matters most.
So, if you’re reading this and you’re looking for a dog to add to your family, consider a dog like Lucy. She might be a little shy, a little scared, but she has so much love to give. And I promise you, she’s worth it.
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