This story was shared within the framework of the Fur Fam Storytelling Contest. You can submit your own story through December 5. Voting will take place from December 6 to December 31. The three grand prize winners will receive a $500 prize, plus $2000 cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. Share your story here!
I worked with a rescue for ten years. I got a call about a dog in the attic of an abandoned house in Detroit and was asked to come take a look. A short story, the owner went to prison and someone came with a liter of water and food once a week. The house has been sentenced and no one is allowed in.
I spent forever tossing each sausage until FINALLY she was out the door. After another 30 minutes, I got her to the point where I could lead her.
We learned she lived there ten months ago after being picked up from a nearby dump. She has never been outside, so the feeling of trees, sunlight, everything is so new and scary. Well, this raucous mix is a rock STAR. Star is brave and trusting, even though she has every reason to not be that day. From the moment she came to my house, she was at home.
She’s scared about turning lights on and off, she doesn’t know how doors work, etc. It’s a ton of work, patience, and trust. It took over a year of new experiences, consistent training, and unconditional love for her to finally find comfort day in and day out.
She currently lives on 11 acres, is wonderfully uninhibited, is a big sister to a small human and sister to an older dog. Three years later, she still has those moments where that attic life comes back to her, but she trusts us completely and knows that we love her and will keep her safe. .
She is very sweet and cuddly, loves to play and zooms all over her property, a free-spirited, cheerful and very beloved dog.
This story is submitted by Julie Scislowicz, with assistance from The Devoted Barn. To share your own submission for the Fur Fam Story Contest, click here!
