While walking through the parking lot of Cayjo Peruvian Cuisine in Orlando, Florida, an employee noticed a white van sitting abandoned.
Initially, there was no cause for concern. However, as the day wore on and the van remained in the same spot, the employee became suspicious and decided to contact the authorities.
When police arrived, they began inspecting the vehicle, unaware of the upsetting discovery that awaited them.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
The officers described the van’s interior as “a state of disarray,” with clutter and scattered items everywhere. The driver’s side window had been shattered, with jagged glass sticking out.
But the most shocking find was a terrified brown puppy, huddled in the midst of the mess.
The poor dog was trapped in the back of the van, unable to move due to a large piece of wood blocking his escape. His eyes reflected pure fear. Authorities searched for any trace of his owner but were unsuccessful.
They assured the frightened dog that they would help him and called Orange County Animal Services for assistance.
The shelter quickly took the pup, later named Mason, into their care. Initially, Mason was nervous and scared around people, needing time to adjust.
“He’s still struggling to trust people, and we don’t blame him one bit,” Orange County Animal Services wrote in a Facebook post.
To help him feel more comfortable, an animal behavior specialist was assigned to work with Mason, spending time with him to ease his anxiety.
A Second Chance At Happiness
Mason found solace in stuffed toys, carrying them with him wherever he went. His troubled past made him wary of strangers, and he often barked at potential adopters, giving the impression that he was aggressive. As a result, many passed him by.
However, the shelter staff knew that underneath his fearful exterior, Mason was a kind and loving dog who simply needed a chance to heal. They shared his story on Facebook, hoping to find someone who would look beyond his initial reactions and see the sweet dog he truly was.
“We’re hoping by sharing his story, we can appeal to someone who will look past his kennel presentation, take him out to a play yard … take the opportunity to get to know him, and see the dog he can be with a bit of love,” the rescue added.
Thankfully, a compassionate family came forward and saw the potential in Mason. They adopted him and gave him the loving home he had always deserved. Mason finally began to thrive, and his new life filled with love and joy began.