Recently, animal control officers discovered a frightened dog in the woods, tethered to a tree by a heavy leather collar and chain. The poor animal was emaciated and terrified, appearing to have been abandoned with no food or water.
“When we found him, we realized his past must have been awful,” explained Courtney Bellew, the Director of Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation at SNARR.
The dog, named Stewart by his rescuers, was taken to a shelter. While adjusting to a shelter can be challenging for any dog, Stewart’s trauma was painfully evident. He cowered in the corner, resisting any contact from the staff.
“He didn’t want anyone near him. He was clearly terrified,” one of the volunteers shared.
Whenever someone approached, Stewart would retreat, growl, and hide his head—a clear sign of past mistreatment. His anxiety was so intense that removing his collar was impossible.
“Stewart was so distressed by our presence that we thought we’d try giving him some space to calm down,” said Rebecca Rood, another helper.
Finding a permanent home for a dog in Stewart’s condition is no easy task, but the volunteers were determined to help him heal.
However, despite their efforts to give him time and space, Stewart showed little improvement. He barely ate and couldn’t be taken to the vet.
At this point, Courtney decided sedation was necessary to safely transport him for medical evaluation. While Stewart was sedated, they took the opportunity to remove the burdensome collar.
With supportive treatment from the vet, Stewart began regaining his strength. Once free from the collar, his demeanor shifted dramatically. For the first time, he made eye contact with his caregivers and seemed open to interaction.
“That collar was a symbol of his troubled past. After we took it off, he started to relax and even wagged his tail,” Courtney remembered.
Stewart’s transformation is a testament to resilience and the power of compassion. Thanks to the dedicated team who refused to give up on him, he’s well on his way to recovery.
While the extent of Stewart’s past experiences may remain unknown, the kindness he now receives gives him a chance to heal from his trauma. This story is a reminder that all dogs deserve a second chance.
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