Abandoned, Hungry Dog Reportedly Too Scared To Leave Fenced-In Yard When Rescuers Offer Treats
When most people see insurmountable odds in front of them, they choose another path. But not the California nonprofit Hope for Paws.
Despite the vast numbers of abandoned and mistreated pets on the streets in the Golden State, the group has striven for years to aid down-and-out animals. And a recent rescue shows just how kindly they treat the most piteous cases.
According to the Jewish Journal, Eldad Hagar is a co-founder of Hope For Paws. He helped start the group in 2001.
But he’d been caring for animals far earlier than that. He started at the tender age of 5 in Zichron Ya’akov, a town in northern Israel.
“I always save the most miserable, saddest, sickest dogs,” he explained. “They’re matted, starving, filthy, shot with BB guns.”
That dedication was certainly on display in a rescue that was posted to the nonprofit’s official YouTube page. “Hope For Paws got a call about an abandoned dog,” it stated.
“We were told he was dumped in a nearby park and found refuge in [a nearby] yard. Neighbors Becca and Jerry had been leaving him food for three weeks.”
Despite the food and friendly would-be rescuers, the pup refused to join them on the other side of the fence and stayed in the enclosed yard.
Hope For Paws associate JoAnn Wiltz proceeded to walk up to the fenced-in yard of the complex. “You want a cheeseburger?” she called.
A scraggly black-and-white dog stared back at her. His tail wagged as she unwrapped the cheeseburger.
The animal obviously wanted the tasty treat. But it was just as obviously terrified to come out and get it.
In fact, it would only eat tiny chunks of meat as Wiltz gingerly slipped them through the bars of the fence. She led the creature on with a trail of meaty bits.
But it would dart away whenever she approached. Eventually, though, the dog let her pet him. It was clear he respected the boundaries of the fence and wanted to stay out of the street, but behind his timidity was a cautious friendliness.
Since he didn’t want to pass the gate, Wiltz walked into the complex to get to know him a little better before trying to coax him out.
“Hi, handsome boy,” Wiltz exclaimed before slipping a leash around his neck. The dog — who would soon come to be known as Gossamer — didn’t resist an iota.
The pup was then given a shave, and he was bathed and toweled off. Further footage showed Wiltz playing with the frisking pup.
The video concluded with a call for adoptive parents for Gossamer. Indeed, Hope For Paws makes adoption an integral part of its mission.
“There are 30,000 dogs on the streets of Los Angeles each night,” Hagar said. “There are so many living in horrible conditions, and they can’t help themselves.”
Based on the website of the group “Doggie Bonez,” where Gossamer was listed for adoption, he has since found his forever family and is now enjoying his second chance at life.
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