Adopting a rescue dog may drastically alter a dog’s life. The tiniest things may make a world of difference when a dog comes from nothing and has only known cruelty and loneliness.
That’s what one lady realized after bringing a new puppy home and experiencing his charming reaction to one of the most basic things.
Sue, a lady, acquired Neville, a 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier mix, from the Humane Society. She already had a few rescue dogs at home, but when she spotted Neville, she knew she had to take him with her.
“I knew I was in love with him the moment I laid eyes on him!” Susanne was kind enough to share her tale with The Dodo. “I stood outside the center for three hours to guarantee that I was the first to express my interest, and we clicked the moment we laid eyes on each other.”
Neville had been found wandering the streets as a stray. He was in horrible condition since he hadn’t been neutered and because he had bad teeth. While no one is certain of what happened to him, it is most probable that he was used for breeding purposes.
The fact that he had been abused in the past was immediately apparent… He had to relearn some of his old behaviors when he moved into his new house.
“At first, he used to compete for food and would attempt to eat directly off the floor or from my other dog’s dish,” Susanne recounted. “He was a bit of a jerk.”
After realizing he didn’t have to fight for food anymore—in fact, he got his dish from which to eat—everything changed for Neville.
After I taught him how to eat from a bowl, it quickly became his most valued item. “It took me a long time to get him used to eat from a bowl,” I recall.
Because Neville was so taken with his bowl, he never allowed it to leave his sight… He still sleeps with it at night, even after all these years.
“I believe he simply never had one of his own and now realizes he has one and is guaranteed a consistent supply of excellent, healthy meals,” Susanne said to The Dodo. ”
“He just looks to be so heartbrokenly grateful for such a simple dinner,” says the author. “I feel it represents warmth and a sense of belonging for him.
As a result of their modest origins, rescue dogs can enjoy the small joys that we all take for granted daily as humans do.
It serves as a wonderful reminder of why it is preferable to “adopt” rather than “shop.” These dogs are in desperate need of love and care at this time.
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