A noisy shelter environment can feel stressful for many dogs. Instead of asking for attention, they curl up in their kennels and choose to hide from the world.
Martin did just that. When he arrived at the shelter, he was overwhelmed with fear. He hid in his kennel, hoping to go unnoticed. Day after day passed, and no one stopped long enough to truly see him.
And then, one day, something wonderful happened. A kind soul saw Martin and encouraged him to show his true personality.
From Fear To A First Step Forward
Martin had been living at Dallas Animal Services for almost fifty days when photographer Vivian Powers first met him.
The pup spent most of his time curled tightly on a cot in his kennel. When people walked past, he pressed himself against the floor or retreated into the corner.
Martin felt scared, and he tried to make himself invisible.
Powers had heard that there was a dog who needed better photos and someone willing to speak up for him. When she saw Martin, she immediately realized that he was not unfriendly. He was overwhelmed.
Powers volunteers her time taking photos of shelter dogs because she knows the right photo can help change a dog’s future.
Although Martin was shy, she refused to leave without giving him a chance.
Staff tried guiding him out of the kennel and into the play yard, but Martin froze at the doorway. He could not take a step forward.
That is when staff brought over a large bucket and carefully lifted all 63 pounds of Martin inside.
“It was a lot of effort,” Powers told The Dodo. “But I begged them to give him a chance, so we can see how he would do in the yard and for me to get better photos.”
The Moment Martin Finally Let Go
Once he was brought outside, Martin dropped flat onto the ground. He was calm while other dogs watched from behind the fence. He did not know what to do next.
Then something wonderful happened. His tail moved.
“The shelter staff felt safe enough to pick him up,” Powers said. They carried him farther into the yard and placed him near calm dogs. “The minute Martin got into the yard, he exploded in excitement.”
The fear that had held him shut started vanishing. Martin began to run and play. He felt joyful.
“To see him interact with other dogs brought tears to my eyes,” Powers said.
Powers captured photos that showed a completely different dog. She later shared them online, writing that “All he needed was a friend,” and someone who “never gives up on the underdogs.”
The change continued back at the shelter. Due to the playgroup assessment, Martin was paired with another dog inside his kennel.
“That helped him tremendously because rather than cowering in the back, he actually stands in front of the kennel greeting people,” Powers said.
Martin is now eight months old. He is learning commands and building confidence each day. He feels safer with another dog nearby, and he started greeting visitors.
The puppy who once hid in the corner is finally ready to be seen and find the home he has been waiting for.