Homeless German Shepherd Cries Like Human When Rescuers Come Close
If you’re a dog lover, you know what it feels like to want only the best for your favorite furry friend.
You’d like your canine to experience a life full of belly rubs, morning walks, and sunny meadow romps. But for worthy pets in need of a loving home, some seriously rough weather can often come first.
Speaking of which, meet an amazing pooch called Rain. She was originally given this nickname by rescuer Loreta Frankonyte, of Los Angeles-based Hope for Paws Animal Rescue.
Maybe that’s because life started out pretty stormy for this sweet, winsome pup. Frankonyte and Hope for Paws founder Eldad Hagar initially received a tip that the terrified, homeless German shepherd had been hiding beneath a van for several days.
They rushed to the scene, and discovered a heartbreaking sight. A dusty and disheveled Rain was cowering behind the vehicle’s rear fender, the fur on her ears gnawed away by flies.
Frankonyte moved in close, tossing some tasty bites of cheeseburger toward the petrified pooch. And that’s when she encountered the most disheartening detail of all.
Rain was so alarmed and anxious that every time a caring individual came close, the dog would cry like a human child. On social media, veteran rescuer Hagar mentioned that this particular canine vocalized her extreme fear “in a way that I have never heard in my life!”
Rain was also pretty smart and crafty, evading rescue by shimmying into the narrow space between two tall storage cabinets. Hagar and Frankonyte used patient teamwork and strategically placed nets to gradually, gently coax the dog out into the open.
Then, they gently placed two tethers around her neck and guided Rain into their waiting rescue vehicle. And almost instantly, things began looking a whole lot brighter for this brave, deserving pup.
Rain was whisked away to receive extensive TLC. She was checked out for overall wellness, then lovingly bathed and groomed.
Animal rescue organization The LoveJoy Foundation took over from there, preparing to arrange foster care and put Rain up for adoption. But fate had an even more heartwarming plan.
Just a couple weeks later, canine good Samaritan Allison Dunbar was assisting Hagar’s team with another pet rescue. Dunbar brought that rescued dog to the local animal hospital, where she met Rain — and immediately fell in love.
And that’s how a once-downcast dog named Rain found her joyous, permanent home with the Dunbar family. Her story has quickly gone viral, as she now enjoys endless play sessions and energetic backyard sprints with her “hound sibling,” Ernie.
The Dunbars also bestowed a brand new name on Rain, one that reflects her tenacity and keen intelligence. This smart, expressive, vocal, and courageous canine is now officially known as Sassy Pants Dunbar.
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