Shelter Pug Refused to Move—Until He Saw a Familiar Face!
Cupid’s story begins on Valentine’s Day when he was found wandering as a stray and brought to the shelter. The family that found him had kept him for a week, likely debating whether to keep him, before realizing they couldn’t. He had a collar but no tags, no microchip—so close to being identified, yet still lost.
At the shelter, Cupid shut down. He wasn’t the typical goofy, food-motivated pug. Instead, he curled up, visibly trembling, his big, expressive eyes filled with fear. It’s not uncommon for dogs to become overwhelmed in the shelter environment, but seeing a small dog like Cupid completely withdraw was heartbreaking.
Respecting the Small But Mighty
When I met Cupid, I knew we had to go slow. Many people instinctively scoop up small dogs in distress, thinking comfort will calm them, but that doesn’t always work. “No matter the size of the dog, I try to give them the same respect,” I told Kelly, who was with me that day. “If you’ve ever felt pushed around or ignored, you know how small dogs in shelters feel.”
Kelly nodded, watching Cupid closely. “You know, we don’t really know much about pugs, but when you see a whole bunch of them together, they’re like tiny comedians. It’s sad to see one so unsure of himself.”
The Power of a Treat (and a Little Patience)
The first step in breaking through to Cupid? Treats. Food can help fearful dogs shift focus away from their anxiety.
I started by placing a treat near him, not forcing interaction. At first, he hesitated, but eventually, he sniffed at it and took a tentative bite. That tiny movement forward was a victory.
One training technique I use in shelters is the push-pull method—encouraging small movements forward while giving the dog a chance to retreat. If a dog like Cupid hesitates to take a treat, I offer it, pull it slightly away, then let him come forward on his terms. “Bravery isn’t something that just happens,” I explained to Kelly. “It’s a choice, and dogs have to take those steps themselves. We just have to create an environment where they feel safe enough to try.”
One of my favorite shelter training techniques is the open-hand approach. Instead of offering a treat between fingers, which can feel intimidating, I place it in my open palm. Nervous dogs like Cupid, who are wary of human hands, find this less threatening. “It’s all about making them feel in control of their choices,” I told Kelly. “It’s amazing how a simple change in body language can change their trust levels.”
Pug Problems: Why So Many End Up in Shelters
Pugs are one of the most recognizable and adored dog breeds, but they come with a long list of health concerns. Breathing issues, hip dysplasia, spinal problems—these are just some of the challenges pugs face due to breeding practices. Backyard breeders make this worse by prioritizing appearance over health.
Many people adopt pugs without fully understanding their needs, leading to a high number of pugs in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Cupid’s situation wasn’t unique, but it was still heartbreaking. Despite being a purebred pug, he was just another scared shelter dog needing a second chance.
The Scoop Moment
After spending time earning Cupid’s trust, I knew it was time for the real test—the scoop. Holding a fearful dog can be tricky. If they’ve had bad experiences, being picked up can trigger panic. But Cupid? He melted into me like a squishy little marshmallow. It was the kind of scoop that makes all the tough days in rescue worth it.
A Surprise Ending—The Adoption That Almost Never Happens
Cupid’s journey took an incredible turn that day. A family arrived at the shelter to meet him—something that almost never happens in real-time. And here’s the twist: Cupid already knew them!
The family had previously adopted another dog, Benny, who had been kenneled right next to Cupid. The moment Cupid saw Benny, his entire demeanor changed. His tail wagged, his body relaxed—he knew he was safe.
Cupid’s new dad, B, had been looking for a companion after losing his previous dog. Seeing Cupid recognize Benny was all the confirmation he needed. “It’s like he knew this was his moment,” Kelly said. “He wasn’t just getting adopted—he was going home.”
Lessons from Cupid’s Story
Cupid’s journey is a reminder that every dog, no matter how small, deserves patience and respect. It’s also proof that even when a dog seems shut down, the right approach—gentle encouragement, food motivation, and time—can make all the difference.
If you take one thing away from Cupid’s story, let it be this: microchip your pets, put a tag on their collar, and don’t assume that just because a dog is small or purebred, they’ll have an easy road to adoption. And if you’re ever thinking about adopting, maybe—just maybe—a little pug with big eyes will be waiting for you.
Cupid’s transformation reminds me why I do this work. A dog can go from trembling in the back of a kennel to cuddling in a warm home in just a matter of time—if given the chance. And if you ever meet a scared little dog like Cupid, remember: treats, patience, and a little scoop can change their world. Cupid’s arrow found its mark, and now he’s home. Here’s to hoping every shelter dog gets their own happy ending.
Next Steps
If Cupid’s story touched your heart, consider checking out your local shelters. Pugs, just like every other breed, end up in need of homes all the time. And if you can’t adopt, there are plenty of ways to help—donations, volunteering, or even just sharing these stories to help dogs find their families.
If you want to get updates about the dogs I’m working with, sign up for my email on www.rockykanaka.com/email
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