Dogs have emotions just like humans. They experience joy after spending a fun day with their friends, but they can also feel deep sadness when the person they trust most mistreats them.
Sadly, many people overlook a dog’s feelings, assuming that because they are animals, they don’t deserve the same kindness and respect as humans.
This neglect can leave lasting scars. Dogs who endure mistreatment often lose faith in people altogether, making it challenging for those who genuinely want to help them. Rebuilding their trust becomes a slow and delicate process.
Frightful Pup
Source: The Dodo
When Kelly spent a year and a half searching for a dog to foster, she never imagined she would find the perfect match in Walt.
However, Walt had faced hardships before meeting Kelly, leaving him shy and hesitant around humans.
“When we picked him up, he was just so afraid. He wouldn’t even make eye contact with us in the car. Someone had failed him somewhere along the way,” Kelly shared with The Dodo.
Walt didn’t know how to behave around his new family. He had never experienced love or the comfort of a home. His uncertainty ran so deep that he refused to enter Kelly’s house, choosing instead to sleep and live outside.
Source: The Dodo
Even when Walt finally gathered the courage to step inside the house, he stayed confined to the hallway, unwilling to explore further.
He spent hours sitting motionless, staring at the wall, as if afraid to disrupt anything or anyone.
“And even, like, when I touched him to comfort him, he was cowering away from me because he was afraid I was going to hurt him,” Kelly explained.
Source: The Dodo
Kelly did everything she could to help Walt feel safe and secure in his new home. She comforted him and even set up a cozy bed just for him.
But Walt, unfamiliar with such kindness, didn’t realize the bed was meant for him. Instead, he continued to sleep on the floor, unsure of how to embrace the warmth of his new life.
Source: The Dodo
Time Heals
After some time in his safe and loving new environment, Walt began to understand that he was finally home.
“What made me know that he knew he was safe here,” Kelly shared, “I would be sitting on the sofa watching TV, and he would come in and put his head under my hand, as if to say, ‘Love me.’ Whereas he didn’t even know what that was when we first took him here.”
Walt’s transformation was remarkable. He started playing with Kelly constantly, even creating his own jumping game that encouraged her to interact with him more and more, strengthening their bond.
In the backyard, Walt’s playful energy truly came to life. Whenever Kelly joined him, he would burst into joyful zoomies, running in circles around her and kicking up the grass with his unstoppable speed.
Source: The Dodo
Walt even warmed up to Kelly’s other dog, forming a special bond despite the size difference. The two found a perfect balance in their relationship, proving that love knows no boundaries.
Seeing Walt thrive in his new home filled Kelly with immense joy.
“It has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my entire life,” Kelly said. “To be able to take a dog out of a really bad situation and give them what they deserve. They don’t deserve anything other than humans to love them.”
Final Word
Today, Walt is living the life he always deserved.
From a timid dog who avoided eye contact at all costs to one who now wants to spend every moment with his favorite humans, Walt has become a truly happy pup.
This remarkable transformation wouldn’t have been possible without Kelly – someone who looked past the fear in his eyes and saw the loving soul beneath.
Thank you, Kelly! And heartfelt thanks to every human who dedicates their lives to rescuing and caring for dogs in need.
You are the true heroes!