If there is one thing that I never really stopped to think about, it is what toys truly mean to our dogs.
Now, while my own pup has gone through plenty over the years, I never really wondered why they love them so much.
As I sit with it now, I realize they often use them for comfort.
If they get really down, they might hold a toy close to ease the stress, and it is tough to picture.
For this frightened dog, her rescuers offered toys hoping they would help her relax. And, while they did make her feel cozier, she still needed a little more.
Plush Toys Become Her Safe Place
When a group of homeowners in California noticed a stray dog wandering their neighborhood, they all chose to help her.
They saw how thin and underfed she was, so they tried to hand her food, but she was too scared to come near.
So, they left meals outside, and she would eat when no one was around. Over time, she put on much-needed weight, and everyone felt relieved to see that.
Still, even with so many neighbors looking out for her, she stayed hesitant to interact with people.
They tried to soothe her by bringing plush toys, which she adored. Whenever the neighbors spotted her, she was carrying one around.
It was incredibly cute. Even so, the people living there knew she needed a real home and could not just keep roaming forever.
Since she would not accept help from any of them, they decided to call in a professional.
The person who answered was Suzette Hall, who works tirelessly to save as many animals as she can from California’s streets.
Suzette Hall Steps In To Help
When she arrived at the spot where the pup usually rested, she saw the dog with a toy in her mouth. It was such a sweet sight.
As soon as she got out of her car, she considered the best way to help, and a humane trap was the clear choice.
She set the kennel where it was easy to see, with food inside, and the pup took the bait. In a moment, she was safe and secure.
All the neighbors came by to say goodbye to the gentle dog since they had grown so used to her.
They named her Betty Boop, and she lit up when she realized she was headed to a new, better place.
Hall and the others made sure to pack all her toys for the ride to the shelter so she would keep them close.
And with that, Betty’s rescuer brought her to a shelter and promised to do everything possible to help her live a normal life.
It is wonderful to see this sweet dog finally get her happy ending, and it is lovely that the neighbors were kind enough to give her the plush toys she will always play with.