Clyde’s Story
After his owner faced housing difficulties and needed to find a new rental, Clyde arrived at Pet Refuge. Initially, he was extremely shy and timid. He growled and cowered when we tried to get him out of the car and into his kennel. It took a lot of patience and coaxing with treats to get him to feel a bit more comfortable.
I left him alone for the night, which was difficult, but by the next morning he had eaten his breakfast, though he remained too scared to come out of his kennel. I took a slow approach, sitting outside his kennel without making eye contact and scattering treats. Gradually, he began taking treats from my hand, and after some time, I managed to sit on the floor inside his kennel with him. Though he was still apprehensive, he no longer seemed to be a bite risk, just overwhelmed by fear.
With a lead around him, I gently coaxed him out of his kennel. Once we reached the park, Clyde visibly relaxed and began to feel at ease. I moved his kennel so he could see outside, which helped him adjust further. Since then, he’s shown no more signs of fear or aggression.
Clyde has been a joy to work with, demonstrating good manners and training. His only challenge remains his response to fear, where he tends to corner himself and might growl or flinch at sudden movements. This behaviour, I believe, stems from his past traumatic experiences.
Clyde’s transformation has been remarkable. After a successful desexing procedure with his owner's permission, he displayed such excitement upon returning to the shelter that he couldn’t contain his joy, jumping in the car and eagerly wagging his tail when he saw the staff. His bond with the team has grown strong, and he’s become a playful, affectionate dog, a stark contrast to the frightened pup who first arrived.
It will be bittersweet to see Clyde leave, as he has become a beloved member of the shelter. His progress from a timid, potentially dangerous dog to a brave, cuddly companion is a testament to his resilience and the care he’s received.