One morning, volunteers at a shelter in the US Virgin Islands discovered 2 female dogs chained to their gate. Nervous and suspicious, the two sisters were afraid of everything… or almost. Only the soap bubbles seemed to make them jump like puppies! It was then only the beginning of a long taming…
Finding an animal tied in front of the shelter gate is, unfortunately, a situation that the volunteers of the Humane Society of St. Thomasto US Virgin Islandsknow well. That morning, the discovery of the 2 sisters only half surprised them. What took them by surprise, however, was the nervousness and mistrust of these 2 balls of fur in fawn coats, whose journey was relayed by The Dodo.
Baptized Sofrito And Wasabithey were first placed in quarantine. Not for a health issue, but to give them time to breathe and prevent them from fleeing.
Bubbles, and nothing else
For these 2 survivors, everything had to be built: accepting a hand on the back, walking on a leash, playing. Every new thing seemed to frighten them, all except one. As soon as a member of the team blew soap bubbles in the garden, the 2 dogs began to jump and wag their tails, visibly becoming, for a moment, young puppies again.
These moments of lightness did not, despite everything, replace the rest of the work. Day after day, the volunteers continued to show them that they were no longer at risk and to accustom them to human presence. Progress was slow, but steady.
A plane to Maine
4 months after their arrival, the shelter requested Pets With Wingsa network of volunteer pilots who airlift shelter residents. Sofrito And Wasabi thus left their native island for Maine3,000 km away, where Grammy Rose Dog Rescue & Sanctuary welcomed them.
In this state lived Sarah Lachance. Several months earlier, she had lost her dog, and the time seemed right for her to love another. “ I looked on the Internet quite regularly, waiting for a puppy to “talk” to me through the screen “, she confided to The Dodo. That's when the 2 sisters appeared on his screen.
Touched by their journey, Sarah went to the shelter with her companion Zach to meet Sofrito. “ She was very shy and nervous when we met her “, she remembers. The couple sat on the ground and waited for the dog to come on her own. Head and tail lowered, she ended up accepting a few caresses. “ It was clear from the start how sweet and affectionate she was », adds Sarah. The adoption was decided immediately.
From doormat to sofa
Renamed Junethe dog was entitled to a comfortable basket, which she however shunned at first, preferring the doormat at the entrance, very close to the door. It took him several weeks before he dared to climb onto the couch and settle in against his humans.
Today, June snuggles up against them without restraint and is visibly playful. “ What she prefers above all is chasing water from the hose! She jumps and dances between the sprinklers and chases the water everywhere », says his mistress.
WasabiShe is still waiting for a family. In the eyes of Sarahhis sister has as much potential and love to offer as June. We know his family is out there somewhere and all we have to do is find them. » Her face now awaits the look that will see her…
Woopets info – How to help a traumatized dog regain confidence?
A dog like June and his sister who has experienced abandonment or difficult experiences can be extremely suspicious of humans. To help him feel safe, several precautions are essential:
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Respect his rhythm: never force contact or try to caress him at all costs;
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Avoid abrupt gestures: favor a soft voice, slow movements and a non-threatening posture;
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Give him the choice: allow the dog to approach himself and move away if he feels the need;
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Associate humans with positive experiences: use, when appropriate, treats, games or soothing activities.
Patience is essential: each dog progresses at their own pace, and some may need support from a veterinarian or dog behavior professional.