If a dog doesn’t grow up in a safe and loving environment, it is very likely that it will develop anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.
When such a pup finally finds a place where they can feel at ease, they often try to curl up and hide from the world, unsure of what it feels like to relax without fear.
This is why it is so important for the human caring for this pup to be patient and allow them to open up at their own pace.
Rocky Kanaka, a passionate pet rescue advocate, knew exactly how to approach a pup who had a difficult time trusting humans because of his tough past.
Meet Arthur
Arthur is a sweet one-and-a-half-year-old Cattle Dog mix who spent his early life as a stray, abandoned by an unclaimed litter.
When he first arrived at the shelter, he was adopted quickly and was overjoyed. But his happiness was short-lived—his family eventually had to surrender him back to the shelter because they could no longer care for him.
This deeply affected Arthur, leaving him depressed, anxious, and avoiding human contact. But change was coming when a compassionate soul named Rocky decided to spend time with him.
Easy Does It
Arthur was being kept in the sallyport, a transitional space in the shelter where dogs wait before being fully examined. It was the perfect time for Rocky to introduce himself.
Rocky understood that Arthur was frightened and in a new, unfamiliar place, so he sat at a distance, giving the pup the space he needed to feel safe.
When Arthur continued avoiding eye contact, Rocky gently offered him a treat to gain his trust.
At first, Arthur only sniffed it, then Rocky tried offering another, placing it closer to him—again, no luck.
So, Rocky decided to place the treat in his open hand and offer it directly to Arthur. To his surprise, Arthur took it!
Rocky was elated.
He explained that anxious dogs typically don’t take treats from an open hand because it can increase their anxiety, but Arthur’s willingness to accept the treat gave him hope.
However, even after accepting a couple of treats, Arthur still turned his head away.
The Magic of Kindness
When Rocky learned that Arthur had been surrendered by the family he had once loved and trusted, his heart broke.
He decided to speak to Arthur with words of love and encouragement to remind him of his worth.
“I think that you are a good boy and you deserve love, and I am so sorry that your family left you behind. You didn’t deserve that. You deserve love, hugs, and treats… Today starts the first day of your new life. It’s going to be amazing. I know it’s a little scary right now, but if you trust me, we will help you find a home and a family that loves you just as much as you love them, okay?” Rocky told Arthur in a YouTube video.
Arthur, after hearing those heartfelt words, began to emerge from his shell and even allowed Rocky to pet him.
With every kind word from Rocky, Arthur’s heart continued to soften.
I believe that, in time, Arthur will fully come into his own and find a loving family that can give him the life he has always deserved.
Rocky, your patience and compassion serve as a powerful reminder of how important it is to move at a gentle pace with animals who need time to heal and trust again.
You are truly a hero.