Gentle Big Dog Covered In Flies Has The Most Heartwarming Glow-Up After Being Rescued
Sometimes, a pet ends up in a terrible situation. Even the flies seemed to know Junior was miserable. The insects hovered around the tired dog's head like a buzzing halo, dispersing when he shook his ears but immediately reforming. A YouTube Short filmed by his rescuers showed the full horror and loneliness of Junior's situation. When the team found the large dog in a South African neighborhood, he was battered, scared-looking, and alone except for his retinue of flies. A commenter wrote, "Omg, I can't even imagine the discomfort he was feeling."
Dogs in terrible situations can sometimes grow so fearful and anxious that they stop trusting humans. That's not what happened to Junior, however. The gentle giant never lost his sweet nature for a moment. The rescuers picked him up like he was a baby and brought him in for care. After his rescue, Junior needed a little TLC from the vet, and then he was placed in a real home. The dog that once looked like a creature someone had thrown into the trash now had a loving family. A particularly sweet part of the video highlights Junior sleeping in his own dog bed and looking as content as can be. His fur is thick and gorgeous again, too, giving him the most heartwarming glow-up.
Trust can take time for rescue dogs
Junior is a big sweetie, but many rescue dogs need time to let their personalities show. It can actually take months for your new dog to warm up to you. You may not be able to speed up the process, but you can take deliberate steps to avoid extending it. Dogs need a quiet, safe, and comfortable spot to decompress, whether it's a dog bed or a crate. If they can't get a moment alone because you're always trying to play or snuggle, it might increase their stress.
As some dogs have had such rough and neglectful pasts, rescue dogs sometimes struggle with issues like resource guarding and territory marking. Being anxious and dealing with these problems for a few weeks or months is perfectly normal. However, if many months pass and your newly adopted dog exhibits behavioral problems, that could be a sign of lingering anxiety. A dog trainer might be able to help. Or, if your dog is friendly with other dogs, you could try organizing doggy playdates. Dogs learn behaviors from other dogs, so a well-behaved pup could be a potential role model.