Smaller, jumpy, happy dogs tend to go first at the shelter. For introverted dogs who don’t show their emotions as easily, the shelter is the worst place to find a home. Adoption seemed like an impossible dream for Bronco, a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, but this story is proof that there is a perfect home out there for every dog.
Bronco turned up a Los Angeles shelter as a stray. He was guarded; his head down, his eyes refusing to make eye contact. What set him apart from the rest of the dogs were his scars. His face especially, as it was covered in deep wounds, the source of which was unknown. Some could speculate that Bronco was involved in dog fighting, was abused or perhaps the wounds were self-inflicted. Some dogs become scarred trying to escape a wire fence or enclosure. Most who are looking to adopt a dog at the shelter cannot see beyond his scars and move on to the next dog.
Bronco’s time at the shelter was limited and running out fast.
For JF of Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles, it only took one look from Bronco for him to realize there was something special about this scarred dog. When Bronco finally did look up into JF’s eyes, the rescuer thought “there was something so deep about this dog.”
He was pulled from the shelter and given a second chance at the Best Friends Animal Society facility. For months, Bronco was reserved, opening up only to his favorite handler and trainer, JF.
When a woman named Terri came in looking for a dog, she almost passed Bronco’s enclosure. He would hide in the back of his cage. Then she came back and looked at Bronco. It took one gaze to mesmerize Terri and for the next five days, she came back everyday to visit Bronco. She would sit with Bronco, hoping he would give her a sign that he would open up. She wasn’t sure if she could ever break through Bronco’s stoic demeanor. Would she ever be able to get to him?
As Terri sat with Bronco on the fifth day, he gently laid his great head on her lap. She had finally earned his trust. Now that dog who couldn’t bring himself to let his guard down around anyone found himself with a family. And these days, Bronco won’t let Terri out of his sight.
To learn more or to donate to Best Friends Animal Society – Los Angeles go to: bfla.bestfriends.org and don’t forget to like their Facebook page.
Do you have a Tail of Hope? We’d love to hear it! Visit us at thepetcollective.tv and tell us your story!
ThePetCollective.tv is your online destination for all things animal and pet related. If it breeds, it leads at TPC. Furry, funny, uplifting, and adorable is the status quo. Follow us on Twitter @PetCollectiveTV and like us on Facebook.
