I’ve seen some truly cruel ways dogs have been treated in the past, but hoarding situations are the worst. In some cases, many dogs are locked in a small enclosed space with many other pups.
This can cause fear, confusion, and that can also lead to anger. When too many dogs are stuck in one spot, they can turn on each other out of fear.
Neglectful owners generally don’t care what happens to these dogs or how they deal with the entire situation. They only care as long as there is some benefit for them.
Well, this sweet dog was also stuck in a hoarding situation for a long time before he was eventually rescued. However, being saved didn’t do much for him at first.
A Sorrowful Dog
When Jamie Delaney read online about a hoarding situation in New York where at least 100 dogs were saved, she was completely shocked by this.
She wanted to do her part and help somehow. Shortly after, she received a message from Muddy Paws Rescue Foster Program.
They told her that she would foster a dog named Phil, who was around 6 years old. When she first met him, it didn’t quite go that well.
It was immediately clear that this poor pup had either suffered extensive abuse or just neglect. He was completely shut down and it looked like nothing could change that.
Phil didn’t like being touched and whenever Jamie approached him, he would retreat in his kennel. After examining him closely, Jamie realized that he was really dirty, so she decided to give him a bath.
He had sores on his back, likely from urine scalding. Considering he spent so much time in one space with so many other dogs, it’s no surprise.
Transformation In Just 6 Weeks
Despite going through so much previously, Jamie noticed that Phil was slowly starting to relax and it was happening faster than she expected.
Jamie believed that her cats and dogs kind of helped him overcome his fears because they welcomed him so warmly when he came to their home.
He would slowly start playing with the dogs in the house, and he was slowly gaining trust again. This was immense progress, but there was still a long way to go.
After about a week, Phil finally felt relaxed enough to roam around the house and this changed everything.
Now, it’s important to note that he was still quite reserved about human touch, but he enjoyed spending time with his foster mom.
The time that he spent with Jamie and the other dogs in the house helped him make a dramatic change in just 6 weeks.
And now, he was beginning a new chapter in his life. He was adopted by a wonderful family shortly after. The future is bright for Phil and I am glad that he got everything that he wanted.