'Aggressive' dog becomes instant hug-lover after being rescued from abusive owner
Hate is a learned response.
We are born into this world in innocence. But through circumstance and upbringing, some of us have no choice but to lean into aggression and violence.
Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram
This not only goes with humans but with animals as well. Pets who grew up in love will always know love and those who lived in pain will always know resistance.
An animal shelter based in Crete received a call about an aggressive dog.
The police received the call first through concerned neighbors about a dog who they believed was being mistreated.
Upon arriving at the residence, instead of a feeble scared puppy, they found a dog with fangs barred and was ready to fight.
While some people can be quick to judge dogs like these, all of us should understand that behaviors are learned.
This dog had violent experiences with his owner.
He was chained all his life and was being hit regularly. Any soul who has been exposed to that kind of abuse would definitely turn aggressive.
Even after they took him away, Phoenix the dog refused to calm down. All throughout the rescue, he thought that the people around him were out to hurt him.
He kept on snarling and snapping at anyone who even tried to get close. Despite his behavior, the rescuers knew he just needed someone who will understand him.
Good thing, Theoklitos Proestakis of Takis Shelter found him.
Proestakis is a former disc jockey who had to change careers, especially after the country’s economic crash.
Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram
He rescued dogs and cats that were surrendered and abandoned when their owners became economically incapable of taking care of them. Their shelter relies solely on donations and the passion of every staff member.
He was the perfect man for the job.
In a video he posted on his channel, you can see Phoenix with his fangs bared. He was reaching into the crate with a glove which Phoenix thought was a hand.
Every time he tried to get close, Phoenix would snarl and bark, then snap at the glove. He grew up knowing that only pain can come from someone’s hand so his instincts told him to resist.
But Takis didn’t give up.
In the video, he can be heard saying “We will try again later, and we will be very good friends soon, ya?”
He decided to give Phoenix some space to decompress but he didn’t give up on teaching Phoenix that the world can also offer love.
He came back later that day to befriend Phoenix.
With his gloved hand, he reached to pet the scared dog. This time, even if he was still growling, he was letting him touch the side of his head and chin.
He leaned into Takis’ hand and even if it seems like he was still cautious, they both knew that this was a big breakthrough. And it turns out, it’s all Phoenix needed.
Soon enough, Phoenix was making friends of his own.
Apparently, Phoenix loves getting pets just like any other dog. Takis was also proud of the transformation because he came from hating touch to running from one person to another just to get some pets.
All he wanted was to be loved and fortunately, there was someone who was more than willing to show him what it feels like.
Watch how this dog transformed when a rescuer showed him, love.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
Source: YouTube – Takis Shelter, Takis Shelter, Instagram – @takisshelter