What we usually see when we walk into shelters are dogs in their kennels peeking out of their windows, eager for attention. What we don’t know, however, is that many of them suffer in silence. And it’s not even that they are unlovable, but because fear has become their cage.
Recently, internet users were overwhelmed with emotions over a Florida shelter dog, Chey. The reason? She was too afraid to leave her kennel, and the reason was truly heartbreaking.
The Video That Breaks Hearts
Staff at Orange County Animal Services, Florida, shared a truly devastating video on their social media. It featured Chey, the dog rescued from the streets, unable to leave her kennel due to severe trauma from the past.
Instead of jumping out with happiness once the kennel doors opened, Chey remained pancaked to the floor.
Even though the exact trigger for her fear is unknown, Chey’s caregivers are convinced the dog has gone through a tough time in the past.
Chey came to the shelter after a Florida resident noticed her roaming the neighborhood. At the time, she had severe injuries on her paw pads and could barely walk.
“She had terrible injuries to her paw pads that kept her from running off. It looked like someone or something had burned off her paw pads, and she could barely walk on them,” the Florida shelter wrote in the post.
Ever since her arrival, Chey’s trauma has remained. She has been afraid of strangers, outings, and physical touch. So, instead of walking out on her own, Chey has to be carried into the yard in volunteers’ arms.
The good news is that Chey has been receiving nothing but love from her staff. But even so, the shelter environment is definitely not a place to heal her wounds.
“Sadly, though her paws have completely healed, her heart has not. The more time she spends at the shelter, the more shut down she becomes,” the shelter added.
Ultimately, Chey has been pulled out by a private rescue organization into a calmer setting, learning all about life in a home.
“She Has So Much Potential To Blossom”
One thing is for sure: Chey still has a long way to go before she is ready for a new home. But underneath her fear and trauma, there lies a sweet dog eager to open a new chapter of her life.
According to Savanna Palmer, a dog behaviorist at the Florida shelter, Chey has so much potential to transform into a confident dog.
“She has been paired with other dogs since arrival. She has so much potential to blossom with her confidence, she just needs that special person to notice her and give her that time,” she wrote in the comments.
For now, this loving doggo girl will remain in rescue care. After her healing process is done, Chey will be looking for a new home, hopefully with people who will understand her needs and give her the life she deserves.
Good luck, Chey!