When Suzette Hall got word of a shaggy animal spotted at the Home Depot shopping plaza in Compton, California, she knew she had to try and help him.
The longtime rescuer and founder of Logan’s Legacy 29 immediately made her way to the area and began driving around the parking lot until she spotted a furry shape.
Upon closer inspection, she realized it was the very dog she had come for.
Hall carefully approached the stray, who didn’t respond at all. He was so worn down that he couldn’t even lift his head.
The Pup Is Too Frightened
The California rescuer felt heartbroken seeing him in such rough condition. It was obvious the dog had suffered from neglect and human betrayal for a long time.
Hall hoped to bring him to safety right away, but sadly, the dog was too afraid of people.
As soon as he realized she was getting closer, he darted off and disappeared.
That evening, Hall searched for him again, but it was like he had vanished. She returned home feeling defeated but more determined than ever.
She gathered the help of her team, hoping that with their support, they could reach the pup soon.
Despite their ongoing attempts, the dog, later named Oreo, continued slipping away.
“[F]or over a week, we have been trying to rescue this baby, up at 2 a.m. almost every day and staying late at night,” Hall wrote on Facebook.
After hearing that some people had been chasing Oreo through the parking lot, she better understood why he was so wary of people.
The only person Oreo had formed a bond with was the security guard, but when Hall asked for help, the guard declined.
Still, the team stayed optimistic, convinced they’d eventually earn Oreo’s trust and help him find peace.
Hoping To Gain Oreo’s Trust
Hall noticed that the shopping center staff had been giving the pup food, which meant a trap likely wouldn’t work.
“We weren’t giving up, [a] storm [was] coming, and I just couldn’t fathom him being out there in another storm. But we knew a trap wasn’t gonna work. Someone had to gain his trust,” Hall added.
She and her crew kept showing up, trying gently to win Oreo over, but he remained distant and unsure. Every attempt to catch him failed.
One afternoon, though, they spotted Oreo fast asleep in the parking lot.
They realized this was their chance.
Volunteers Yamileth and Karla carefully crept toward him and gently wrapped him in a blanket.
Everyone felt an overwhelming sense of relief knowing Oreo was finally safe.
Hall placed him in the passenger seat and talked to him kindly. He could feel her warmth and began to smile.
She brought him straight to the vet, where he got a checkup and a complete grooming session.
Once the mats were removed and he had a proper bath, Oreo looked like a brand-new dog.
With love and care, Oreo no longer felt afraid. He gazed at the people around him with newfound hope.
Soon after, Oreo was welcomed into a foster home. He quickly adapted and has been thriving ever since.
Though he’s enjoying his time in foster care, he still dreams of meeting his forever family.
It won’t be long before this sweet pup finds a home filled with love and belonging.