Watch Shelter Dogs Emotional Reaction Seeing Her Leash
When I first saw this little English bulldog sitting in her kennel, my heart broke. I’ve encountered countless dogs in shelters, but there was something about Fiona that stopped me in my tracks. Her eyes held such profound sadness that I couldn’t walk away.
The Face of Despair
English bulldogs are supposed to be the definition of sweet, loyal, and eager companions. They’re bred to be happy family dogs, even if they can be a bit stubborn in their loving way. But when you see a dog specifically bred for companionship looking so broken and shut down, you can’t help but stop and wonder what went wrong.
Fiona couldn’t even hold her head up. She was so sad that she wouldn’t move onto the blanket I had brought for her comfort. I’ve seen a lot of dogs in despair at shelters, but I never stop being surprised when I encounter purebred dogs in such a state. Your whole life, you build this image of what a breed should be like, and then you see them completely devastated.
Building Trust Through Treats
I knew I had to take my time with Fiona. Sitting down beside her kennel, I started with treats – a universal language that can help dogs focus on something positive and release their fear. When dogs are scared, getting them to focus on their nose, the sniffing, and the taste can be incredibly powerful.
I decided to try what I call the “Pac-Man” technique – laying out a trail of treats to encourage her to move and show some bravery. Because English bulldogs are typically food-motivated, I hoped she’d have the courage to follow the trail. It worked, slowly but surely. She took the treats, though hesitantly, and I could see she was willing to give me a chance.
Uncovering Fiona’s Story
While working with Fiona, I gathered information about her background. She was estimated to be about three years old and had been found overnight by a Good Samaritan. The finder had posted on social media, but no one claimed her. She had no microchip and no collar – just a leash that suggested she might have been brought in hastily.
When Fiona arrived at the shelter, they immediately scheduled her for a veterinary visit because something seemed off. The diagnosis revealed a prolapse that suggested she was a mama dog who had been used for breeding – likely experiencing a rough birth. This explained so much about her condition and demeanor.
The Harsh Reality of Backyard Breeding
Looking at Fiona’s unique coloring and the evidence of her medical condition, I couldn’t help but conclude that she was a mama dog who had been used by backyard breeders. People pay thousands – sometimes tens of thousands – of dollars for what they think are rare designer bulldogs, while mama dogs like Fiona sit sadly in shelters after their puppies are sold.
The scarring on her ears, flea dirt, and dirty coat told a story of neglect. Her reaction to toys suggested she had never owned one. When I showed her the collar that came with her, she sniffed it and then turned away – not the excited reaction you’d expect from a beloved pet seeing familiar items.
A Breakthrough Moment
After learning about her need for surgery, I decided to pay for her spay procedure. Every dog deserves proper medical care, and I couldn’t bear the thought of her suffering any longer. Then came the moment I’d been waiting for – I scooped Fiona into my lap.
She was heavy and awkward at first, clearly never having been held like this before. You can feel it in a dog when they’ve never experienced this kind of affection. Her massive head needed support, and I could tell her jaw muscles were sore from the tension she’d been carrying.
Positive Affirmations and a New Name
I started giving Fiona positive affirmations, telling her she was a good girl and that she was loved. I watched her eyes for any recognition of these words, but there was little response – further evidence that she had rarely, if ever, heard such encouragement.
We named her Fiona, and I began using her name in our interactions. I told her about the life that awaited her – snuggling on couches, getting in trouble for chewing remotes that smell like potato chips, and being part of a loving family. She deserved to know that her hardest days were behind her.
The Patience Required
If you’re considering adopting a dog like Fiona, understand that it will take time – possibly months – for her to learn how to be a dog. She may not know how to walk downstairs or drink from a water bowl. These are experiences she might never have had. Above all else, she’ll need patience, assurance, and confidence-building.
Dogs who have experienced the worst often develop the deepest capacity for love and loyalty. They know what it’s like to have nothing, so when you show them a life filled with love, toys, treats, and care, they become forever grateful. The connection you’ll develop is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
A Glimmer of Hope
After our session, I received footage from the shelter that filled my heart with joy. Fiona had been paired with other dogs in the indoor area and taken out to the yard by volunteers. The transformation was remarkable – there was my sad little girl with a happy face, surrounded by other dogs and people, finally showing the amazing sweetheart she truly is.
The Call to Action
Fiona is available for adoption and represents an incredible opportunity for the right family. Instead of paying thousands to backyard breeders, someone can adopt this beautiful, rare, and special girl for just the adoption fee and spay cost. She has so much love to give and deserves a family who will give her the life she’s never had.
This is why I do what I do – to show that every dog, regardless of their past, deserves a chance at happiness. Fiona’s story isn’t unique, but her capacity for love and transformation is limitless. She just needs someone to believe in her.
The hardest part is over, Fiona. Now it’s time for your new beginning.
