How sad is it when you see an animal in some kind of pain? Many rescuers deal with this on a daily basis, but their hard work is never for naught. There are many rescue groups that are focused on rescuing stray animals and helping rehabilitate them. One such group would be Hope for Paws. There came a day when they received a call about a German Shepherd in a parking lot. Be warned, this is a story that might move you to tears!
It Was Cowering Beneath a Car
It was a rainy morning when the call came in. The caller reported that she found a German Shepherd mix in a parking lot! Apparently, the dog had been hiding under a vehicle on its own and avoiding humans.
It Was Cowering Beneath A Car
Try To Lure The Dog Out
Eldad Hagar and Loreta Frankonyte are the names of the Hope for Paws members who went to the site. Before they did so, they grabbed a cheeseburger! You’ll find out why this is relevant later on. Eldad is the organization’s founder. Hope for Paws is focused on rescuing animals in distress around the area.
Try To Lure The Dog Out
Avoiding Contact With Humans
The poor dog was hiding below a big van. It looked like it was staying away from contact with humans. She was clearly scared and preferred being down there. Loreta came closer to show that they had food.
Avoiding Contact With Humans
Proceed With Caution
She did not want to scare the dog away, which was why she took a slow and cautious approach. After all, there was a chance that the dog would run away. If they wanted to rescue her, it was important to avoid triggering violent reactions.
Proceed With Caution
No, Thank You
Loreta tried to get closer to the big but terrified pooch. As she did so, the dog began crying as if it were a person! It must have been totally scared of them. They could see that it was homeless as well.
No, Thank You
Never Heard Something Like It
If you visit the YouTube channel of the organization, the video says, “At first we thought she was hurt but she cried because she was so scared.” You can watch the clip, titled ‘Homeless German Shepherd cries like a human! I have never heard anything like this!!!’ and hear it for yourself.
Never Heard Something Like It
Slowly But Surely
Even though the dog did not seem to want the cheeseburger right away, she did cry slightly less after a little while. Soon enough, she tried out the cheeseburger. Even though she was still crying, she seemed to have calmed down. However, Loreta still felt worried.
Slowly But Surely
Mystery Dog
They did not know what kind of background the dog had. Was this animal going to attack them all of a sudden? Even though Loreta really wanted to help this poor hound, she still had to be cautious. It was important for her to think of her safety before anything else.
Mystery Dog
Taking Baby Steps
It is important to be patient when you are dealing with a scared animal. This was quite a big dog, which made them a little warier. After all, things would likely get messy if the dog chose to attack them.
Taking Baby Steps
Capturing
How were they planning on getting the dog out of there without forgetting about their own personal safety? One method would be to use a tool that makes it easy to capture an animal. A lot of animal organizations use a long rope with a hole at the tip. The dog’s head is meant to go through the opening.
Capturing
Attack Mode
It does not take a lot to provoke a dog when it is terrified. Sometimes, they will attack you if they think that you are way too close. The sad truth is that the dogs only react this way to keep themselves safe from something that they perceive to be a threat.
Attack Mode
Bribery
The pair did bring a cheeseburger with them to make it easier. They planned to use the food as a bait to get the dog out of her hiding spot. It is not that different from a fisherman using bait to attract fish!
Bribery
Not Interested In Her Cheeseburger
They thought that it was odd for the dog to back down further and stay under the van even though the cheeseburger was right there. Typically, an animal will care more about food than their fear.
Not Interested In Her Cheeseburger
Scared & Wary
This meant that the dog was so scared of humans that she could not ignore her hunger! After all, just about everyone would have made a dash for the food in record time. It was quite shocking for Loreta.
Scared & Wary
Much Longer Than They Expected
A little more trust would make made a world of a difference in this rescue mission. We are glad that Loreta and Eldad did not give up on this dog. Of course, there was no way they were doing this by force.
Much Longer Than They Expected
Trying To Help
Loreta attempted to put the lasso through the dog’s neck. However, she gave up on this strategy after seeing how the pooch reacted. Clearly, the dog was totally terrified by what was going on right then.
Trying To Help
She Ran
Loreta did not want to terrify the dog more since it was already scared out of its wits. After she took the lasso away, the dog scampered off. It was time to try a different approach. The pair had to come up with a new method to make the rescue mission successful.
She Ran
Looking For A Safe Spot
The German Shepherd mix probably thought that the safest place would be between the two buildings right behind the van. However, Eldad put a stop to this plan of hers by putting up a net.
Looking For A Safe Spot
Bringing Her To Safety
The dog eventually had to come out at one point or another. When she finally did, Eldad and Loreta were there to bring her to safety. Now, it was a matter of time and patience. Luckily, they had the presence of mind to clear their schedule out for that day. They had time to spare for this dog!
Bringing Her To Safety
There For The Long Run
One of the exits was guarded by Eldad, while Loreta kept an eye on the other one. With his phone, Eldad captured the whole mission. It was clear that these two Hope for Paws members were determined to help out this poor dog. They did not mind waiting for her to come out of her hiding spot.
There For The Long Run
She Continued To Whine And Cry
The dog was still whining, but she later listened to Loreta. The rescuer had been trying to coax the dog out of hiding. We are sure that it was not very easy since the wails of the dog were painful to hear.
She Continued To Whine And Cry
Getting Calm
She kept her big ears low. This way, she was able to show Loreta how scared she was in at that moment. They let her take her time as she calmed down. After a while, she started to look less scared! Phew.
Getting Calm
Cowering
When the dog was calmer, Loreta managed to put the snare around her neck in a gentle manner. She was still acting jittery, but it was a good thing that they finally captured her. After this, they needed to bring the poor dog to the vet for a little checkup.
Cowering
Coaxed Out
They were gentle and careful as they coaxed the dog out of there. The pair was still concerned about scaring her more. Even though she was moving, she was doing so very slowly. Fortunately, Loreta and Eldad were patient with her and allowed her to move as she pleased.
Coaxed Out
Encouraging Her
It was important to reassure the poor dog as much as possible. They fed her words of encouragement and let her take her time. Animals can also be fragile. This is especially true when they have trauma.
Encouraging Her
Coaxing Her Out Of There
They agreed to call the dog Rain. After all, they did find her on her own one rainy day. The entire time, she had her tail tucked between her legs. Despite this, they were at least making some progress.
Coaxing Her Out Of There
Tucked Tail
They were able to bring her out of her hiding spot. Despite this little victory, the pup was clearly scared. She had her tail beneath her. On top of that, she was still quivering and crying until then.
Tucked Tail
Finally Making Progress
Eldad put another leash on the dog for safety reasons. He also gave her pets on her head and hoped that it will let her know that she was safe. She accepted his pats. After that, she went inside the cage at last!
Finally Making Progress
Still Afraid
They had been taking their time, but Rain appeared unsettled and scared. Every here and there, Eldad and Loreta thought that she had already calmed down. However, she would then yelp and scurry away. Her cries would grow loud once more as well.
Still Afraid
Apprehensive
After some time, she allowed Eldad to pet her. It was a big step forward for the rescuers. After all, she was totally scared of them in the beginning. While she still seemed apprehensive and cautious, Rain let them bring her to the car.
Apprehensive
Uneasy
They kept a slow pace as they went to the car. Rain might have been cooperating, but she was doing the bare minimum. Her body language showed that she was uneasy. She would still yelp and jump. It would seem that she was not totally convinced that her rescuers were not going to harm her.
Uneasy
Reluctant
Finally, they managed to bring Rain to the cage that they planned to put her in. This was how they wanted to bring her to the clinic where she would get tested. On top of that, she also had to take a bath!
Reluctant
Seeing A Friendly Face
Cary Linnell is the name of the person who asked for help. She had been waiting by the cage and even held it open. Rain did not enter the cage after seeing this sight. She went down and slid into Cary’s arms!
Seeing A Friendly Face
Familiar Face
It looked like Rain and Carey were acquainted already. It was clear that this dog trusted her since she did not mind getting pets from this woman. On top of that, she also went to Carey with no hesitation at all.
Familiar Face
Help However They Could
Could it be that she wanted to show Carey how grateful she was? Whatever it was, everyone there thought it was a gorgeous sight. Eldad and Loreta were filled with hope and relief. They just wanted the best for this poor little dog, and so did Carey.
Help However They Could
They Couldn’t Believe it
Rain probably wanted to get reassurance that it was going to be fine. After that, she shocked her human pals by going into the cage without being forced into it. She was making a lot of progress very quickly!
They Couldn’t Believe It
Getting In The Cage
Not one of them expected Rain to go into the cage that quickly. She also seemed comfortable to be there. Maybe she could finally tell that she was going to be safe. At any rate, she did seem much calmer.
Getting In The Cage
Checking It Out
Perhaps it was the pillows there or the sight of Carey that made her more at ease. Regardless, Eldad and Loreta were glad to see progress. She also started to sniff around the cage and looking at her rescuers.
Checking It Out
Calm
When she was finally in the cage, Rain was calmer than she had been before. She was no longer crying and finally seemed calm. Loreta was shocked by the progress that this dog was showing them. Good girl!
Calm
Almost Happy
On top of that, the dog was smiling and wagging her tail a little. Maybe she truly was starting to see that it was only going to get better from then on. Eldad and Loreta both wondered what Rain must have gone through to be this scared of humans. Whatever it was, it must have been very bad.
Almost Happy
Curious
Once the cage was moved carefully into the car, Rain seemed so curious, she kept looking all around her, investigating her surroundings. She was a lot calmer in the cage. Rain must have known that being inside meant she was safe from harm.
Curious
Rain Got A Burger And A Bath
Inside the cage, Rain finally got to enjoy the burger and even wagged her tail a fair bit! She was now safe and ready to go to the vet. She would get some TLC, spend the day at a doggy spa, and get plenty of cuddles from Loreta.
Rain Got A Burger And A Bath
Becoming A New Dog
After some grooming and tests, Rain was now ready for a new chapter of her life. Just like any other dog in the world, Rain deserved a chance to live in a loving home with a family who would take care of her and keep her safe.
Becoming A New Dog
She Enjoyed The Attention
She had been a terrified pooch earlier that day, but it was like she transformed into a whole new dog after the bath and cuddles. She must have realized that these humans meant no harm.
She Enjoyed The Attention
A New Dog
It was obviously Rain’s first spa treatment, and she was absolutely loving it! She let the suds run down her nose and she welcomed the warm water and gentle hands of her “masseuse”. She would look like a whole new dog once finished!
A New Dog
Re-Learning The Ropes
They had quite the opposite intentions, actually! They could tell that this dog was once a pet, although she did not have a chip on her. This meant that the dog once knew what it was like to be with a family.
Re-Learning The Ropes
Getting Used To TLC
It was easy to see that she was readjusting to what it was like when there was someone to care for her. After all, they doubted that she would have been this happy and trusting only hours after meeting Loreta and Eldad.
Getting Used To TLC
Cozying Up
Once she was bathed and all cleaned up, Rain just wanted to cuddle up with Loreta and relax. Suddenly, she was acting like a completely different dog! In the mere hours that she’s been at the vet, Rain had turned into a sweet and cuddly pup.
Cozying Up
Transformed
It was only a matter of hours for Rain to begin adjusting and relaxing. She became a totally different dog, and all it took was a cheeseburger and a nice medical bath at the vet. Loreta was amazed at how sweet Rain became as soon as she knew she wasn’t in danger.
Transformed
New Starts For Rain
The best is yet to come for her, however. Two weeks later, someone asked about her. Was this finally Rain’s much-deserved opportunity to join into a loving home with people who would keep her healthy and safe?
New Starts For Rain
A Happy And Loving Dog
Days passed and everyone was impressed by just how different Rain seemed to be from the pup they saw crying at the parking lot. She now hopped all over the place just like a deer.
A Happy And Loving Dog
Happy Rain
She would shake paws with everyone that gave her belly rubs and scratched her behind the ears. She was one of the happiest pups these people had ever seen in their whole lives! Two weeks later, she got rescued.
Happy Rain
A Different Rescuer Fell In Love With Her
Two weeks after they rescued Rain, Loreta accompanied another animal rescuer by the name of Allison Dunbar to go to a different stray in need of help. When they got to the Paws facility, Allison was smitten with Rain!
A Different Rescuer Fell In Love With Her
A Perfect Opportunity
Rain going home with an animal rescuer meant that she would for sure feel all the love in the world that she needed and that she would always be in a safe and warm household. After all, if someone rescues dogs for a living, they obviously love them a lot!
A Perfect Opportunity
Trial Run
Allison already owned another dog at home, so of course, before she committed to taking Rain home, she had to make sure she’d get along well with the dog she already has! She brought her dog in to meet Rain and couldn’t have been happier with what happened next.
Trial Run
She Fit Right In
Allison didn’t treat this new addition to her home any differently than she would treat Ernie, which helped Rain acclimate to the home immediately. Allison knew right away that this was the best decision she’d ever made and that Rain would have a perfect life with her.
She Fit Right In
Her New Home
Allison was the one who gave Rain her forever home. On top of that, she had a furry companion in the form of Ernie. The Dunbars also made the decision to change her name to reflect her personality.
Her New Home
Now Sassy Pants Dunbar
They knew Rain to be a sunny and bright dog with an awesome personality. They gave her the nickname ‘Sassy Pants Dunbar.’ It was a name that fit her perfectly! What a great name they picked out.
Now Sassy Pants Dunbar
Exploring
In her new home, Sassy Pants was excited to explore her new home. She couldn’t help but run around, sniffing everything around her. Allison couldn’t be happier to give Sassy Pants a forever home!
Exploring
Sassy Pants
On her Instagram, she wrote, “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). Heartbreaking backstory for this senior girl. But I’m gonna make it all up to her.”
Sassy Pants
Her Life Was Changed
Sassy Pants changed Allison’s life, but more importantly, Allison changed the entire course of Sassy Pants’ life. Just a few weeks prior Sassy Pants was too scared to even approach a human, and now she was living with a human who loved her very much… and Ernie!
Her Life Was Changed
Spending Some Time Together
Sassy Pants fit right into her new family! She learned a lot from her big brother, Ernie, and loved spending as much time with him as she could. Almost the exact opposite of how she was when she was found, Sassy Pants was as energetic as anything!
Spending Some Time Together
Ernie And Sassy
The dog is now Internet-famous since the story went viral. She is also a lot happier now that she lives with Ernie. She looks up to this old chap and likes to nuzzle against his fur the entire day! How sweet.
Ernie And Sassy
Sassy Pants Is Funny
On top of being one of the best cuddlers Allison had ever seen, Sassy Pants was also such a silly dog all the time! Every day Sassy Pants did something that made Allison laugh, including all of the times she found Sassy Pants sitting in the shower.
Sassy Pants Is Funny
Playtime
She loved nothing more than playtime and just goofing around all over the house. Even just rolling around on the carpet made her so happy. Allison couldn’t get over how silly Sassy Pants was once she was comfortable in her new home.
Playtime
No Longer Scared
When they look back at the instance when they found her, this German shepherd mix had been scared of everything around her. She was now one sassy little dog after getting some love and trust! Aww.
No Longer Scared
Handshake
One thing Sassy Pants became known for is shaking people’s hands. She loved getting as many pets as she could, and in order to get some more, she would shake people’s hands to persuade them. Most of the time, this tactic worked flawlessly.
Handshake
Full Of Love
Another thing that changed a lot about Sassy Pants is the amount of love she gave everyone who walked through the door! She was very liberal with kisses and cuddles. No one seemed to mind this in the least.
Full Of Love
International Dog Day
When International Dog Day came around, Allison Dunbar took to her Instagram to post this adorable snap of her and the dogs while spending some time on the beach. She wrote, “Happy #internationaldogday from Ernest and Sassypants!”
International Dog Day
Halloween
Now that Halloween is just around the corner, Sassy and Ernie are prepared with their costumes and are ready to begin celebrating! Allison uploaded this adorable picture to her Instagram, captioning it with: “Sassy And Ernie Are Serious About Halloween”.
Halloween
Roadtrip
Allison and Ernie took in Sassy with open arms, ready to have her join their little family. Gushing on her Instagram, Allison wrote: “Sassy Pants was a severely abused senior when we adopted her 3 months ago. She hid the first week we brought her home. But now she knows that life can be FUN and there are good people everywhere!”
Roadtrip
L.O.V.E.
In fact, it looked like anyone who would meet her, adored her. “I brought these jokers on a bank errand today and Sassy even walked up to a stranger for pats. All it took was LOVE ( and Ernie showing her the ropes)”
L.O.V.E.
Warm Welcome
Seeing as she had a lot of work to do, Allison did the responsible thing and signed Ernie and Sassy up for a dog-walking program so they get enough exercise every day. The Dog Walking & Pet Sitting company welcomed the pups with open arms, saying: “A Big Welcome To Ernie The Noodle And Sassy Pants… Our Two New Wigglebutts.”
Warm Welcome
Sassy Pants Isn’t Alone
Sassy Pants isn’t the only dog who spends most of their life living in constant fear on the street with nobody to love them. If you see a dog walking on the streets or a dog alone that looks scared, always try to call for help.
Sassy Pants Isn’t Alone
Help Where You Can
You could save the course of this dog’s life just like Hope For Paws saved Rain’s life. You should always keep in mind that you can help change someone else for the better. It can be a dog or a person.
Help Where You Can
Changing A Life
All you need to do such a thing is to show them love, trust, and help. This was what happened to Rain or ‘Sassy Pants Dunbar.’ She was initially full of fear and sadness, but her true personality shown when she met kind humans!
Changing A Life
What Is Hope For Paws?
Hope for Paws is a non-profit animal rescue group that was started and is currently based in Los Angeles, California. Hope For Paws was founded by Eldad and Audrey Hagar in 2008. Hope for Paws rescues animals facing death or danger through abuse or abandonment; just like they rescued Rain, they rescue helpless animals each day.
What Is Hope For Paws?