When finding an animal in distress, it can be such a heartbreaking experience. Rescuers have plenty of issues to face, but all the same, they know their hard work will pay off in the end. Rescue organizations like Hope For Paws are created to save strays and help them rehabilitate. When they got a call about a shepherd mix dog, they rushed over to help.
It Was Cowering Beneath a Car
One rainy morning, Hope For Paws got that call. It was about a stray that appeared to be a German Shepherd mix. It was alone and hiding underneath a car, avoiding human beings as much as it could.
It Was Cowering Beneath a Car
Try To Lure The Dog Out
The two members who went to the scene were Eldad Hagar and Loreta Frankonyte. Eldad is the founder of the organization Hope For Paws. Its mission is to rescue animals in need around the area.
Try To Lure The Dog Out
Avoiding Contact With Humans
The poor dog was using a huge van as a means to keep away from humans. Clearly, she was terrified and unwilling to come out of there. Loreta moved closer to show the dog that she had some food.
Avoiding Contact With Humans
Proceed With Caution
Loreta didn’t want to scare the dog, so she approached it with caution, trying to make sure the dog won’t run away from her. They wanted to help this dog but they needd to make sure it wouldn’t become aggressive.
Proceed With Caution
No, Thank You
As Loreta got closer to the big but frightened dog, it began crying the same way a person would. It was obviously terrified. It looked like it was homeless and completely terrified of humans.
No, Thank You
Never Heard Something Like It
In the video the organization uploaded to YouTube, they say, “At first we thought she was hurt but she cried because she was so scared.” As if that wasn’t proof enough of the unique cry, the title of the video is ‘Homeless German Shepherd cries like a human! I have never heard anything like this!!!’.
Never Heard Something Like It
Slowly But Surely
Even though the dog didn’t want to eat the cheeseburger offered to it at first, a little while later, the dog started crying a little less. Eventually, she accepted some cheeseburger and started to slowly calm down, despite still crying a little. Still, Loreta was worried.
Slowly But Surely
Mystery Dog
No one had any idea where this dog came from or what its background was. Would it attack out of fear or become aggressive? Loreta had to be careful and put her own safety first before trying to save the dog.
Mystery Dog
Taking Baby Steps
To approach a scared animal like this one, Loreta had to be very patient and take her time with it. Especially since this dog was pretty big in size as well. There was always a chance that it would act out of fear.
Taking Baby Steps
Capturing
They needed to figure out a way to get the dog to come to them while keeping themselves safe as well. A lot of organizations that deal with animals use a tool that makes capturing the animal easier and safer. It has a long rope with a loop at the end to do around the dog’s neck gently.
Capturing
Attack Mode
A lot of times, when they feel threatened and are scared, dogs attack humans when they get too close. Dogs tend to do this because of fear and it’s the only way they know how to react in order to protect themselves.
Attack Mode
Bribery
However, Loreta came prepared with her cheeseburger. The food can serve as a type of bait to lure the dog out. The same way a fisherman would use bait to attract fish. Was Loreta’s plan going to work with this dog?
Bribery
Not Interested In Her Cheeseburger
Something weird happened. The scared dog only backed away and headed under the car even with a cheeseburger being offered to it. Normally, an animal’s desire and need for food trumps their fear.
Not Interested In Her Cheeseburger
Scared & Wary
This dog must have been so afraid of humans that she was able to put her hunger to the side. Loreta was rather shocked about the dog’s refusal of food. If it were us, we would have grabbed the offering immediately!
Scared & Wary
Much Longer Than They Expected
The rescue mission would have gone a lot smoother had the dog been a little more trusting. However, Eldad and Loreta were trying to win her over slowly. It wasn’t an option to take her out of there by force.
Much Longer Than They Expected
Trying To Help
Loreta tried placing the lasso around the dog’s neck, but quickly let her go after seeing her reaction. It was clear that this dog was terrified of everything that was going on at that moment.
Trying To Help
She Ran
Loreta didn’t want to scare the dog more than it already was. Once Loreta let the dog out of the lasso, she ran away. Loreta knew she had to try a new tactic. They really had to think this through in order to make this rescue mission a success.
She Ran
Looking For A Safe Spot
The German Shepherd mix probably thought she would be safest between two buildings that were near the car she was under earlier. Eldad acted quickly and brought a new to surround the containers.
Looking For A Safe Spot
Bringing Her To Safety
The dog would have to come out eventually, and when she did, Eldad and Loreta would be waiting to take her somewhere safe. The only question was how long it would take. They both cleared their schedules for the day. They wanted to make sure they had the time for this poor dog.
Bringing Her To Safety
There For The Long Run
One exit was covered by Eldad, and the other by Loreta. He filmed the whole mission on his phone as they were talking to the frightened dog. They were determined to help this dog no matter how long it takes them.
There For The Long Run
She Continued To Whine And Cry
The dog kept whining, but eventually, she finally began listening to Loreta, who gently coaxed the dog into coming with them. It was heartbreaking to hear the dog cry as she did. It was devasting.
She Continued To Whine And Cry
Getting Calm
The dog had her ears down, indicating she was really scared of what was happening. The two gave her as much time as she needed to calm down. By that point, she already started looking less scared.
Getting Calm
Cowering
Once she calmed down a little, Loreta was able to get the gentle snare around her neck. Despite the fact that the dog was still very jittery, Loreta was relieved she was finally able to get the dog. Now what was left to do was get her to the vet safely.
Cowering
Coaxed Out
Slowly and gently, the two started to coax out the dog, doing their best not to scare more than she already was. She was moving, just slowly. Eldad and Loreta stayed very patient and gave the dog plenty of time to move at her own pace.
Coaxed Out
Encouraging Her
They wanted to reassure the dog as best they could so she would calm down. So, they gave her words of encouragement and patiently waited. Animals can be so fragile sometimes, especially when they’ve gone through something traumatizing.
Encouraging Her
Coaxing Her Out Of There
They decided to name this adorable dog Rain since they found her on her own that rainy morning. She kept her tail tucked between her legs the whole time, but at least ther were making some progress.
Coaxing Her Out Of There
Tucked Tail
Finally, they were able to get her out from between the cabins, but it was still obvious that this dog was absolutely terrified. Her tail still tucked underneath her, she couldn’t stop crying and trembling.
Tucked Tail
Finally Making Progress
Very slowly, Eldad added another gentle leash for their own safety and then petter her on the top of her head to let her know she was safe with them. The dog accepted the gentle pets, finally seeming to agree to go to the cage.
Finally Making Progress
Still Afraid
Despite the fact that they were moving slowly and taking their time, Rain still seemed unsettled and very scared. Every so often, when Loreta and Eldad thought she’d calmed down already, Rain would yelp in fear and try scurrying away while crying.
Still Afraid
Apprehensive
Rain allowed Eldad to gently pet her, which was a huge step forward, seeing as she wouldn’t let either of them come near her at first. Even though she was still cautious and apprehensive, Rain allowed the two to lead her to their car.
Apprehensive
Uneasy
As they all made their way to the car slowly, Rain cooperated, but only just. Her body language clearly showed she was still so uneasy. She kept getting jumpy and yelping, thinking the rescuers were going to hurt her.
Uneasy
Reluctant
Finally, they got to the cage they would transport Rain in. They had to get her to the vet to check her and make sure she wasn’t injured or sick. Not to mention, she was in desperate need of a good bath.
Reluctant
Seeing A Friendly Face
The person who called the rescuers in the first place is Carey Linnell. She was there waiting by the cage and holding it open. When she saw her, Rain didn’t go into the cage, rather she slid right under Carey’s arms, snuggling up to her.
Seeing A Friendly Face
Familiar Face
It seemed like Rain had already known Carey and trusted her. She allowed Carey to pet her with no problem. Rain even went straight up to her willingly, as if she had known that Carey had called for help.
Familiar Face
Help However They Could
It was almost as if she was trying to express her gratitude to Carey. This was a beautiful sight for all of them to see. Carey, Loreta, and Eldad didn’t lose hope the entire time. They wanted so badly to help Rain in any way they could.
Help However They Could
They Couldn’t Believe It
Rain must have wanted some reassurance that everything would turn out okay. After this, she left everyone in awe by going into the cage by herself willingly. The three rescuers couldn’t believe the progress the dog was making so quickly!
They Couldn’t Believe It
Getting In The Cage
It was such a surprise that Rain went into the cage so easily and willingly. She seemed much more comfortable inside, almost as if she felt safter in a small space. Who knows what made her go in, but she looked like she was calming down a little.
Getting In The Cage
Checking It Out
Maybe it was because of the soft pillows on the bottom of the cage, or seeing Carey, but either way, Loreta and Eldad were so happy to see Rain make some progress. She started sniffing arounf the crate and looking around at all the rescuers.
Checking It Out
Calm
Once inside the cage, Rain was the calmest the rescuers had seen her by that point. She had stopped crying altogether and settled down. Loreta couldn’t believe the huge difference she saw in Rain in just a few hours.
Calm
Almost Happy
By this point, Rain was even smiling a bit and wagging her tail every so slightly. It was like she was starting to understand that she was getting help. Loreta and Eldad wondered what could have been done to her in the past to cause her to be so afraid of humans.
Almost Happy
Curious
Once the cage was carefully moved into the car, Rain looked so curious. She was looking all around her, investigating her surroundings. She was so much calmer inside the cage. Rain probably knew that being inside meant she couldn’t be harmed.
Curious
Rain Got A Burger And A Bath
She finally got to eat her delicious cheeseburger inside her cage and even wagged her tail a bit more in response! Now, she was safe and ready to go to the vet. She would get some TLC, spend the day at a doggie spa, and get more than enough cuddles from Loreta.
Rain Got A Burger And A Bath
Becoming A New Dog
After getting groomed and tested, Rain was ready for a new chapter of her life. Just like any other dog, Rain deserved a chance to live in a warm, loving home with a family that would care for her and keep her safe.
Becoming A New Dog
She Enjoyed The Attention
Earlier that day, Rain was a terrified dog, but it was almost as if she transformed into an entire new dog after getting a bath and cuddles. She had to have realized that these humans weren’t going to harm her in any way.
She Enjoyed The Attention
A New Dog
Obviously, it was Rain’s first spa treatment, and she was clearly loving it! She let the suds run down her nose and welcomed the warm water and gentle hands of her “masseuse”. She was going to look like a whole new dog once she was finished!
A New Dog
Re-Learning The Ropes
It was apparent that this dog was once a pet, although she didn’t have a chip. This meant that the dog once knew what it was like to be with a family and live in a home. But what kind of home did she live in?
Re-Learning The Ropes
Getting Used To TLC
It was clear Rain was readjusting to how it was when there was someone to take care of her. After all, the rescuers doubted that she would have been so happy and trusting merely hours after meeting Lorta and Eldad.
Getting Used To TLC
Cozying Up
Once she was all bathed and cleaned, all Rain wanted to do was cuddle up with Loreta and relax. Suddenly, she was acting like a completely different dog. In the hours that she’s been at the vet, Rain transformed into a sweet and cuddly dog.
Cozying Up
Transformed
It took only hours for Rain to start adjusting and relaxing. She turned into a different dog altogether. All it took was a cheeseburger and a nice medical bath at the vet. Loreta couldn’t believe how sweet Rain became as soon as she felt safe.
Transformed
New Starts For Rain
For Rain, the best is yet to come. Two weeks later, someone asked about her. Was this finally Rain’s much-deserved chance to join a loving family with people who would care for her and keep her safe?
New Starts For Rain
A Happy And Loving Dog
As days went on everybody noticed a huge change in Rain’s behavior, she had become so different from that sad pup that was found in the parking lot. rain starting moving around with such a skip in her step and was much much happier.
A Happy And Loving Dog
Happy Rain
Rain would shake her paw with whoever rubbed her belly and scratched her behind the ears. These people said she is most certainly one of the happiest pups they have ever come across! As two weeks went past, Rain’s day for adoption had arrived.
Happy Rain
A Different Rescuer Fell In Love With Her
As those weeks went by and Rain’s adoption day came, Loreta alongside an additional animal rescue volunteer, Allison Dunbar, were tasked to another dog in need of assistance. As they arrived at the Paws facility, Allison was smitten with Rain!
A Different Rescuer Fell In Love With Her
A Perfect Opportunity
Rain was being adopted by a known animal rescuer and volunteer, it was evident she would be showered with love and attention. Rain would be given so much attention and become part of a warm and loving household. I mean there is probably no better person to rescue a dog than someone who does it for a living.
A Perfect Opportunity
Trial Run
Allison wanted to ensure that her already existing pet at home would get along with Rain, after all, she could not bring Rain into a harmful environment and that the two would be best buds. Well when she brought her dog in to meet Rain, the results were truly heartwarming…
Trial Run
She Fit Right In
Allison loved both Ernie and Rain just the same and had so much love to give the both of them. This helped Rain adjust to her new environment very quickly. Allison felt reassured in her choice of adoption and knew that Rain would live happily ever after with her.
She Fit Right In
Her New Home
Allison was a true blessing to rain she had provided this pup with a loving environment, one she wo0uld live in forever. The Dunbars decided that hey wanted to change her name to something they felt was more fitting.
Her New Home
Now Sassy Pants Dunbar
They saw Rain’s personality as bubbly. cuddly and fun. They decided to name her by the nickname ‘Sassy Pants Dunbar.’ This name was absolutely perfect and a great match for their new baby! The nickname suited her perfectly.
Now Sassy Pants Dunbar
Exploring
Sassy pants went about her business exploring her new home. She sniffed and ran and jumped around as she adapted and familiarized herself with her new environment. This lady felt content and over the moon that she made such a difference to the life of this animal.
Exploring
Sassy Pants
Allison took to Instagram and said, “Introducing……Sassy Pants Dunbar. Rescued off the streets of South Central by @hopeforpawsrescue. (They called her Rain b/c they found her crying in the rain). The heartbreaking backstory for this senior girl. But I’m gonna make it all up to her.”
Sassy Pants
Her Life Was Changed
Just as much as Sassy Pant’s life was changed forever and she was in some way given a fresh start, Allison felt her life was too changed forever. A few weeks before this adoption Sassy Pants could not even go near an individual she was so scared, now she was living, playing and enjoying her life, her owners love…and Ernie!
Her Life Was Changed
Spending Some Time Together
Sassy Pants was the perfect addition to her new family. Sassy Pants was taught and guided by her older brother Ernie, the two spent as much time together as they possibly could. Sassy Pants had become a new dog, a new personality and was such an energetic pup- completely different to the pup she was when found.
Spending Some Time Together
Ernie And Sassy
Since this story took the internet and went viral, Sassy Pants is a star. However, it is truly sen that having a sibling is one of the reasons she is so happy. Sassy Pants likes to cozy up to Ernie, lay beside him and be right by his side all day long.
Ernie And Sassy
Sassy Pants Is Funny
Allison declares that Sassy Pants is one of two of the best cuddlers she has ever come across in her lifetime. She is also super silly. Each and every day is filled with laughter and happiness thanks t6o her, Sassy Pants is so humorous and ca be found sitting in the shower on the odd occasion.
Sassy Pants Is Funny
Playtime
Sassy enjoyed playtime and bein goofy whenever she could. She found happiness in the smallest things, even simply playing around on the carpet got her excited. Allison was in awe of how comfortable Sassy Pants had become and just how quickly she had adapted to her new environment.
Playtime
No Longer Scared
Looking back on the discovery and saving of Sassy Pants, she had been petrified of almost everything around her. Now, Sassy Pants was an easy-going, fun and friendly pup- a little love and trust had gone a very long way. She is the cutest.
No Longer Scared
Handshake
Her trademark is shaking people’s hands. Sassy Pants loved a cuddle or rub, thus, she would shake paws with whoever and whenever if she knew she would get a little love in return- she had become quite persuasive. Her tactic always worked.
Handshake
Full Of Love
The next thing that changed about her temperament was how she managed to love anyone and everyone who crossed her path. She was open and so giving with her kisses and cuddles. Everyone loved Sassy and loved just how loving she was.
Full Of Love
International Dog Day
As International Dog Day approached, Allison Dunbar posted the sweetest picture of her and her two babies, Ernie and Sassy Pants. They were on the beach relaxing. Allison wrote, “Happy #internationaldogday from Ernest and Sassypants!”
International Dog Day
Halloween
Halloween was approaching and undoubtedly Sassy Pants and Ernie were ready to strut their stuff and celebrate in style. Allison posted an image of the two in their outfits with the caption, “Sassy And Ernie Are Serious About Halloween”.
Halloween