Watch How This Scared Rescue Dog Finally Found Happiness—Thanks to One Kindhearted Adopter!
Outgoing, social dogs typically get adopted first at the shelter. Potential adopters are often looking for that instant spark of interest from a dog and will assume more reserved or shy dogs aren’t “the one.” When you’re making a lifetime commitment to a dog, you want to ensure you are compatible, but you can’t always see a dog’s true personality when they are stuck in a shelter.
Kels McDonough—who runs McDonough Rescue, a foster-based rescue program in Los Angeles—wasn’t looking for the most outgoing pup when she visited an overcrowded shelter one fateful day. Kels was looking for a dog who needed help, and one who could help her in return. Nash and his brothers were one hour from being euthanized when Kels decided to finalize the adoption, but sweet Nash was in rough shape. Just a nervous black and white puppy, Nash completely shut down and depressed in the shelter environment.
At home, things didn’t improve much. Nash would cling to Kels, not wanting to be put down, but he wasn’t seeking affection, he was afraid. Nash wouldn’t wag his tail, showed no interest in socializing, and would stand warily to the side watching the world go by, but not participating. Nash had none of the bouncy, excited energy of a typical puppy, but while Kels was nervous he would never break out of his shell, she knew she needed to be patient—love heals, and she had plenty of love to give.
Taking Baby Steps: Nash Goes On New Adventures
To try to get Nash to open up a little and shed some of his shyness, Kels started taking him on short trips along with her other dog, Lou. Kels, Nash, and Lou would pile into the car and travel to scenic outlooks, lakefronts, and beautiful valleys surrounded by mountains. Nash was cautious and would need encouragement to even exit the car, but he slowly started to show interest in these new experiences. Watching Lou certainly helped, and Kels gave him constant love and reassurance.
Nash’s Firsts: Swimming, Running & Playing
@kelsmcdonough those big jumps!!!! 🥹 from shut down to the most adventurous and bravest boy, we did it Nash. life is so incredibly beautiful- and love heals. absolutely. 💗 #fyp #foryou #foryoupageofficiall #dogs #dogs #dogsoftiktok #dogtok #rescue #rescuedogs #adopt #adoptadog #adoptdontshop #shelterdogs #shelter #foryoupage #fypofficial #doglover #doggo #dogmom #fypシ #puppy #puppies #puppytok #puppiesoftiktok #trending ♬ original sound – welcome
Kels stayed consistent, and even though Nash was slow to open up, she could see glimmers of the dog he would become. Then, one day, Nash started to enjoy their trips. Nash learned to swim and plunged into beautiful lakes. He started to run, learned to love hiking, and frolicked in fields of long grass. Nash even started to play, and discovered how much fun it is to mess up a hotel bed!
Nash had gone from terrified, shut down, and lethargic to a playful puppy full of love! For Kels, helping Nash heal was healing for herself, and she says that she and Nash were two halves of a whole just waiting to find each other.
Kels gave a shy, shut-down dog a chance, and she got a soul dog in return! If you’ve been considering adopting a dog, give the shy pups at your shelter a chance. Being in a shelter is very stressful, and most dogs in shelters have experienced trauma whether it be abandonment, abuse, or neglect. It can take time for dogs to come out of their shells and emotionally recover from shelter life, but it is so worth it to earn a dog’s love with patience and understanding.
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