Even after being rescued from the streets, some dogs cannot immediately leave behind the habits that once kept them alive. Captain, a Pittie mix pulled from the streets of Detroit, Michigan, is one such dog.
When volunteers at Detroit Dog Rescue provided him with comfort, attention, and a soft dog bed, he consistently returned to the cardboard box that had sheltered him during his time alone on the streets.
A Cardboard Box Remains Captain’s Favorite Spot
Captain’s early life was far from easy.
He had been abandoned and left to survive without care or shelter, wandering Detroit’s streets for a long period. He was emaciated and required immediate veterinary attention to recover from neglect and malnutrition.
Christina Rinaldi, director of Detroit Dog Rescue, explained the lasting impact of such experiences.
“We can’t make them forget the time they were hit, kicked, shot, burned, or thrown out of a window. We can’t take away the time when the only warm bed they had…was a discarded cardboard box,” wrote Christina Rinaldi, the director of DDR, about Captain.
“We love you and your cardboard boxes, Captain.”
Upon arriving at the rescue, Captain was shy and lacked proper canine social skills, but with consistent care, he began to respond to the staff’s attention and training.
Captain’s Past Made Him Wary
Although he has become a friendly, socialized dog, Captain endured a difficult life.
Rejected and discarded, his cardboard box represented the only security he had ever known. That attachment was not simply habit; it was survival.
“Captain came to us after being homeless on the street. He still prefers to sleep in a cardboard box, the same way he did when he was tossed away like garbage. We’ve continued to show him love, give him the best of everything…”
Learning To Trust Human Care
The days of uncertainty and danger are behind him. Captain now has a safe environment where he can relax without fear of abuse or hunger.
The DDR staff provide all his necessities, from food to veterinary care, and continue guiding him through basic obedience.
Captain is up to date on vaccines, neutered, and regularly examined by veterinarians. He has learned basic commands and responds to positive reinforcement. While he remains somewhat shy around men, he interacts well with other dogs.
Staff recommend a female-led household initially to help him settle fully. Once he acclimates, he is expected to become a loving, loyal family companion.
We wish you the best of luck, Captain!