It is awful to see an animal that is in pain. This is something that rescuers see on a daily basis in their line of work. A lot of rescue groups focus on the rescue and rehabilitation of stray animals. Hope for Paws is the name of one of these admirable groups. The story began when they got a call from a person who found a German Shepherd in the parking lot. You might want to grab some tissues before we start since this is going to be an emotional rollercoaster!
Animal Rescuers Could Not Believe How This Dog Reacted As They Tried To Help Her
Hiding Under A Car
It was a gloomy day when the Hope for Paws team received the call. According to the person on the line, there was a German Shepherd stray in a parking lot. It looked like it was hiding under a car to avoid humans. The dog seemed not only scared but intent on hiding from the humans.
Hiding Under A Car
She Had To Be Careful
Loreta, one of the rescuers, knew that it was important to make the dog feel safe. This was why she decided to be cautious as she approached the hound. On top of that, this was a good way to assure their own safety. They did not want to trigger aggressive and violent reactions out of the dog, after all.
She Had To Be Careful
The Dog Started Crying
Loreta went up to the dog, but she was shocked when the animal started crying. If you check out the Hope for Paws YouTube channel, you will find a video that says, “‘Homeless German Shepherd cries like a human! I have never heard anything like this!!!” Watch it if you want to hear its cry for yourself!
The Dog Started Crying
The Pooch Calmed Down
The rescuers carried a cheeseburger and showed it to the dog, but the pooch did not seem interested. However, they were relieved that it was no longer crying as much as it had been at first. While she still cried, it looks like she already calmed down to a certain extent. Even so, Loreta was still worried.
The Pooch Calmed Down
A Mystery Dog
After all, the dog was as much a stranger to them as much as they were to her. Who knew if she would attack without any warning? Loreta was desperate to help, but it was important for her to behave cautiously. She needed to think about her safety more than anything else at that moment.
A Mystery Dog
Their Game Plan
You have to be careful and patient with a scared animal. The dog was big, which only made them feel warier. They knew that things might get out of hand if she behaves aggressively. How could they go about this without sacrificing their safety? Luckily, they had a tool that they could use to rope her in.
Their Game Plan
Dogs Can Be Aggressive
In reality, a scared dog might attack at any given moment. You should be careful to get too near one of them since they won’t hesitate to attack when they feel threatened. In reality, they only do this because they fear for their own safety. Their instinct is to keep themselves alive and well.
Dogs Can Be Aggressive
Cheeseburger As A Bribe
Luckily, they brought a cheeseburger for the dog. Their plan was to use it as a bait so that they can lure the hound out. They found it strange that she did not come out of her hiding spot even when they dangled the food in front of her. In their experience, this typically worked.
Cheeseburger As A Bribe
The Dog Did Not Trust Them
When the dog stayed under the car, they took it to mean that she was indeed terrified. Most of the time, strays would make a dash for food in no time at all. Loreta was puzzled by this. If the dog was a little more trusting, things would have been a lot easier. However, they did not plan to give up on her.
The Dog Did Not Trust Them
She Did Not Want To Scare It
Loreta tried to loop the lasso around the neck of the dog. When she saw that the stray was terrified, she let go. It was important to make the dog feel more at ease before they tried anything else. The dog bolted out of its hiding spot after that. Loreta and Eldad had to try a different approach to the rescue…
She Did Not Want To Scare It
Her Safe Spot
The dog ran off to a space between two buildings behind the van. Eldad grabbed a net and installed it at the entry points. They knew that she would have to get out of there sooner or later. The rescuers would be waiting for her then. It was only a matter of waiting it out. Luckily, they had all the time in the world.
Her Safe Spot
Waiting It Out
Eldad kept guard over one exit, while Loreta waited by the other one. The whole time, he used his phone to record the mission. Anyone could see that they were both willing to do everything they could if it meant helping the dog. They were fine with waiting for her no matter how long it took.
Waiting It Out
Whining And Crying
The dog kept whining, but she eventually listened to the rescuers. Loreta had been doing her best to coax the poor dog out of her new hiding spot. This must have been rather difficult for the two Hope for Paws members. After all, the cries and wails of the stray were not easy on the ears.
Whining And Crying
Calming Down At Last
She hung her ears low, which was enough indication for Loreta to see how uncomfortable the dog felt. Luckily for her, neither of the two rescuers were in a rush. They gave her the time she needed to calm down. After some time, she appeared less scared. Was she going to trust them now?
Calming Down At Last
They Finally Caught Her
Once the dog was much calmer, Loreta had no problems gently putting the snare around her neck. She still behaved in a jittery way, but the good news was that she did not resist. Whew! After this turn of events, the rescuers planned to take her to the vet’s clinic so that she could undergo a checkup.
They Finally Caught Her
Slowly But Surely
Loreta and Eldad made sure to be gentle as they tried to coax the dog out of its hiding spot. They did not want to scare the poor dog any more than it was already. They watched her move slowly. It was a good thing that they were in no rush. They let her move at her own pace.
Slowly But Surely
Reassuring The Dog
They knew that they had to reassure and soothe the pooch. It would have been even more complicated if it got scared once more. That was why Eldad and Loreta gave her words of encouragement and allowed her to take it one step at a time. They knew that animals can be fragile as well!
Reassuring The Dog
They Gave Her A Name
They ended up calling the dog Rain. It was the perfect name since they found her on a rainy day. The whole time, the poor dog kept her tail between her legs. This can be taken to be a sign of hesitance. Even so, they were all just glad that she was displaying some progress.
They Gave Her A Name
Her Tucked Tail
They managed to coax Rain out of the hiding spot. It was a small victory, however, since the pooch was visibly terrified. How could they tell what she was feeling? For one thing, she was crying and quivering the entire time. They had to be even more careful not to make the wrong move.
Her Tucked Tail
They Were Making Progress
Eldad added one more leash around her neck to make sure that they would be safe. As he did so, he petted Rain. Hopefully, this was going to let her know that she was in good hands. Once this was over, she entered the cage at long last. As you can examine, this delighted the rescuers.
They Were Making Progress
Still Scared
Rain had seemed so scared and unsettled when they first saw her. The difference was huge by then. Eldad and Loreta were happy that she was no longer shaking and crying. Even so, she still yelped and let out a whine every now and then. This was, at the very least, an improvement.
Still Scared
A Little Apprehensive
When she let Eldad pet her head, they were even more glad. This felt like a huge accomplishment! After all, she was so scared of them that she had been shaking when they first got there. Based on her body language, she still felt cautious and apprehensive. At any rate, she allowed them to take her to the car.
A Little Apprehensive
She Felt Uneasy
Eldad and Loreta walked slowly to the car. They knew that Rain was cooperating with them at that moment, but this could change in no time at all. The two of them could feel just how uneasy they were. She yelped and jumped every now and then. Clearly, she did not fully trust her rescuers just yet.
She Felt Uneasy
Inside The Cage
After some time, they succeeded in bringing Rain to her cage. It took them some time, but they finally did it. The next stop on their agenda was the clinic. They wanted to get her cleaned up and tested. Even though she seemed all right, there was no other way to tell whether she was healthy or not.
Inside The Cage
A Friendly Face
Let us talk about the person who sought the help of Hope for Paws. Cary Linnell was the woman who called them about Rain. When the rescuers approached with Rain in tow, she had been waiting near the cage and held it open for the dog. Rain did not head inside the cage – she ran into Cary’s arms instead.
A Friendly Face
The Dog Trusted Her
Loreta and Eldad could see that Rain was familiar with Carey already. After all, there was no way she would have approached her savior like that if it were not the case. Clearly, the dog trusted the woman who was showering her with pets! They were glad that she felt even safer now.
The Dog Trusted Her
They Felt Relieved
Eldad and Loreta wondered if Rain was trying to show Carey her gratitude. No matter what it was, it was lovely to see her so happy! Loreta and Eldad could not help but look on with a smile on their face. They wanted nothing more but for the poor dog to be happy.
They Felt Relieved
Of Her Own Accord
Rain just wanted to know that she was going to be all right. Perhaps she had suffered at the hands of humans in the past. That could be one way to explain why she had been so scared of them at first. After some time, she headed into the face of her own free will. Everyone was shocked to see that!
Of Her Own Accord
A Lot Calmer
After everything that they went through, they did not expect to see something like that. At any rate, Rain seemed very comfy in the cage. Perhaps she knew that she was indeed in safe hands. The rescuers were happy to see that she looked totally calm at that point. This was a huge improvement!
A Lot Calmer
Now At Ease
It was hard to tell what made her feel more at ease. It could have been the sight of her rescuer, Carey. If it were not that, maybe she was drawn by how comfy the pillows looked. The rescuers were just relieved that she seemed to be in a better mood now. Rain was clearly at ease!
Now At Ease
No Longer Crying
Once she was in the cage, Rain seemed calmer than ever. The dog had stopped crying altogether and looked like the epitome of calmness. They did not expect to see this change in her. Was this really the same dog who had been crying only moments before that? It was hard for Loreta to believe this.
No Longer Crying
She Was Already Improving
Aside from that, Rain looked like she was smiling. She was wagging her tail too. It must have dawned on the poor dog that things were only going to get better from that moment. While they were filled with happiness, they felt a tinge of sadness too. Rain must have been through something awful in the past.
She Was Already Improving
She Seemed Curious
As they moved the cage into the car, the dog looked curious. Rain looked around as if she were trying to learn as much as she could about her surroundings. She seemed much calmer inside the cage than she did when they were outside. She knew that she was out of harm’s way at last.
She Seemed Curious
Burger And Bath
Once she was safely inside the cage, the dog got to eat the hamburger as well! The rescuers were thrilled to see that she was wagging her tail in happiness. Now that she felt comfortable around them, they took her to the vet. She got a doggy spa treatment and received hugs from Loreta.
Burger And Bath
Like A New Dog
After she was groomed and tested, it was time to start a new chapter. Was Rain ready for this? She deserves to live with a family that loves her and takes care of all her needs. She had gone through a lot already. It was a good thing that there was a bright future ahead of her.
Like A New Dog
She Liked The Attention
It was difficult to believe that this was the same terrified dog that had been hiding under a van. Loreta witnessed just how much she changed in only a matter of hours. All it took to transform her was to give her a burger, a bath, and lots of cuddles! By now, Rain knew that they wanted the best for her.
She Liked The Attention
Her First Time
They could tell that this was the first time that Rain went to a doggy spa. Loreta and Eldad could see that she loved every minute of it. It was evident that Rain liked the feeling of the warm water and the caresses from her masseuse. By the end of the treatment, she looked like a totally new pooch.
Her First Time
Time To Relearn The Ropes
Thanks to her previous experiences with humans, Rain felt suspicious of Eldad and Loreta at first. Based on what they gathered, she used to be a pet. She might not have a chip, but they could tell that she used to know what it was like to be a part of a family.
Time To Relearn The Ropes
Readjusting To TLC
They knew that it was not easy for her to readjust to life around humans. On top of that, Rain did not know how to let others take care of her. But what exactly made Eldad and Loreta think like this? For one thing, she warmed up to them way too quickly. Only a former pet would have reacted like that.
Readjusting To TLC
Sweet And Cuddly
After Rain took a bath, she wanted nothing more than to cuddle up and relax with Loreta. Isn’t it amazing to see that she was behaving like a totally different pooch by then? You would not have mistaken her for that scared dog. Let us remind you that this happened within the span of a single day!
Sweet And Cuddly
A Full Transformation
Rain was finally adjusting to the presence of humans around her. She had visibly relaxed around them by then. It felt like she was a different dog altogether! They never expected to see her turn into a different dog after some food and affection. It was nice to see that she was a sweet dog when she was happy.
A Full Transformation
Her New Life
But the truth was that the best was yet to come! After two weeks, someone inquired about the sweet dog. Could this be it? Was Rain finally going to her forever home? Did Hope for Paws find the right person to take her under their wing? There is no doubt that she deserved a shot at a new life.
Her New Life
Not The Same
After a couple of days at the shelter, everyone was blown away to see how different she became. There was no way she was the same pup that they found in a parking lot on a rainy day, right? It was delightful to see how sweet and playful she was. The staff adored her.
Not The Same
A Happy Dog
She shook paws with anyone she sees, but she does not do this for free. The truth is that she does this when she wants belly rubs and ear scratches! No one minded giving her what she wants. Some of the staff members even said that she was one of the happiest dogs that they had ever seen.
A Happy Dog
Fell In Love With Her
Someone expressed an interest in adopting Rain only two weeks after she was brought in. One day, Loreta and a fellow animal rescuer called Allison Dunbar had been helping a different stray. Once they arrived at the Hope for Paws facility, Allison met Rain for the first time and fell in love right away.
Fell In Love With Her
The Best Life
This was the best thing that Rain could have asked for. After all, animal rescuers make for the best pet owners! It was pretty much guaranteed that she was going to get all the attention and love that she needed. There is no one better for a job than someone who makes a living by saving dogs.
The Best Life
A Trial Run
There was a possible setback in front of them, however. Allison was already the owner of one dog. Before she could bring Rian home with her, it was important to see if she would get along well with her other pet. When the animal rescuer introduced the two, they hit it off right away. What a relief!
A Trial Run
No Problems At All
It was official. Rain was now a part of the Dunbar family! Allison did not treat her any differently from how she treated Ernie. They worked hard to ensure that the newest member of the family would feel at ease. It did not take Allison long before she realized that this was a great decision.
No Problems At All
Her Forever Home
Thanks to Allison, Rain now had a place to her home. Aside from that, she was also blessed with a new friend. Luckily, she and Ernie had no problems getting along. There was another big change on the way for her, however. Allison wanted to change her name so that it would better suit her personality.
Her Forever Home
Sassy Pants Dunbar
She knew that Rain was a bright and sunny dog with the best possible personality. In the end, Allison picked a fitting name for the newest member of their family: Sassy Pants Dunbar. If you ask, this is the cutest name we have ever heard. It really does suit the hound like a glove.
Sassy Pants Dunbar
Exploring The House
How did Sassy Pants readjust to her new life with the Dunbar family? For one thing, she could not wait to explore the house! She would sniff every single thing that she could see and run around the place. Allison was glad to see that the dog felt right at home with them.
Exploring The House
Making It Up To Her
Allison wanted to introduce her new pet to her Instagram followers: “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.”
Making It Up To Her
Everything Changed
As we all know, Allison changed things for Sassy Pants. However, it is also true that Sassy Pants changed everything for Allison! Only a couple of weeks ago, this dog had been hiding out in a parking lot. If you ask us, it is great that she now gets to live with a family that loves her!
Family Time
Family Time
It was not hard for Sassy Pants to fit in with her new family. Luckily for her, Ernie was there to show her the ropes. The two of them liked to spend time together. Sassy Pants was younger than him, so she had a lot of energy in her. He does not seem to mind this, however.
Family Time
With Her Brother
Sassy Pants has made it big on the internet. This was a given because the story made rounds on the internet. In case you were curious, she is much happier now. Part of this has to do with how well she gets along with Ernie. She clearly loves him and enjoys nuzzling against him.
With Her Brother
A Funny Pooch
According to Allison, Sassy Pants is one of the most amazing cuddle buddies she had ever seen. On top of that, the dog is talented at making her laugh. Every single day, she would do something hilarious and make everyone around her happy. Just take a look at this photo of her resting in the shower.
A Funny Pooch
She Loves Playtime
Sassy Pants also likes playtime. In general, she is a huge goofball who likes to play around the house. She tends to find happiness out of the little things. For example, she is thrilled whenever she rolls around on top of the carpet. Allison loves Sassy Pants for her silliness, which multiplied once she had settled in.
She Loves Playtime
Not Scared Anymore
How on earth did she become like this when she was a completely different dog at first? The truth is that she must have always been this way. Her trauma only filled her with fear and hesitance. Now that she has seen trust and love, she is back to being the sassy dog that she is.
Not Scared Anymore
Shaking Their Hands
Sassy Pants is skilled when it comes to shaking hands with people. She wants to get as many pets as possible, which is why she came up with this little trick. By impressing you with this, she hopes that you will rub her belly! In general, this plan of hers works very well.
Shaking Their Hands
A Loving Dog
Apart from that, another defining trait of hers is that she does not hesitate to shower any person with love and affection. She does not shy away from giving everyone as much cuddles and kisses as she could deliver. Fortunately for Sassy Pants, no one seems to mind this at all.
A Loving Dog
On International Dog Day
We can tell that Allison Dunbar loves her two dogs very much. If you check out her Instagram page, you are going to find photos of Sassypants and Ernest no matter where you look. She posted this photo on International Dog Day. The caption read, “Happy #internationaldogday from Ernest and Sassypants!”
On International Dog Day
Dressing Up For Halloween
It looks like they like to celebrate the holidays as much as they could. Check out this photo of Ernie and Sassypants in their costumes on Halloween. Allison took to Instagram to share this adorable photo with the rest of the world. “Sassy And Ernie Are Serious About Halloween,” said the caption.
Dressing Up For Halloween
Around Good People
It is a good thing that Sassy did not have any problems fitting in. On the contrary, Allison and Ernie welcomed her with open arms. On Instagram, Allison shared, “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!”
Around Good People
Easy To Love
However, it is not hard at all to love Sassy Pants. For the most part, everyone who meets her falls in love with her in record time. “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),” Allison said on Instagram.
Easy To Love
The Warmest Welcome
Allison was a busy woman who had a lot on her plate. This was the reason she signed the dogs up for a dog-walking program. She wanted them to enjoy exercise even though she could not do it herself. The Dog Walking & Pet Sitting company gave Ernie and Sassy Pants a warm welcome. It said, “A Big Welcome To Ernie The Noodle And Sassy Pants… Our Two New Wigglebutts.”
The Warmest Welcome
She Is Not Alone
Sassy Pants is not the only dog in the world who lives in constant fear. You might even find one of them on the streets wherever you are! If you ever see a dog that looks scared, it is a good idea to get in touch with the authorities and ask for help. They would know what to do.
She Is Not Alone
You Can Help
Who knows, you might help save another dog. Hope for Paws did not only save Rain, but it also turned her entire life around. You might be surprised by what you can do to change things for someone. We are not only talking about dogs either – you can also help a person by showing them kindness!
You Can Help
Help, Love And Trust
The truth is that we could all benefit from more trust, help, and love. In the end, these things have made a world of difference for Rain, now known as Sassy Pants Dunbar. When they first found her, she was filled with sadness and fear. But her personality eventually came through with the help of kind humans.
Help, Love And Trust
Hope For Paws
In 2008, Audrey and Eldad Hagar founded an organization called Hope for Paws. It is a non-profit animal rescue group that was launched and based in Los Angeles, California. It helps animals that are in imminent danger through either abuse or abandonment. Just like Rain, the volunteers and members rescue animals on a daily basis.
Hope For Paws