At the time I was searching for another GSD, a friend told me about one he’d seen on a pound’s website. I called to ensure he was still available. I got to the pound and told the keeper I was here for the GSD. She turned, looked me over and said, “Well, good luck. Not one man has gotten close to that dog in two weeks.”
At the time I trained dogs for obedience and knew what I needed/wanted in a dog, and felt I could help him. He was in a nice big run outside and the keeper who took me to him, took one more look at me and the dog, shook her head and said, “There he is, good luck!” and she walked off. I just went over and sat near him on the other side of the fence. “We” just talked. I got closer and closer to him until I was almost touching him through the fence. There was no negative reaction. As with may dogs in a pound, they’re in shock. So after 10 minutes or so, I went in the pen with him and sat down again about 10 feet from him. He just watched as we continued our conversation. Again, I edged closer and closer until I was a few feet away. He’d been put on a lead and I was able to pick it up. Often that’s the point a dog will react. Trust me when I tell you that your energy travels that lead.
I asked him to just walk around the pen with me as we talked. It wasn’t until 30 minutes or so since we were introduced that I reached to pet him. And while still in shock, he accepted that love. Long story short, when I went back to the pound office with him at my side, the keeper was stunned. We went home that day and over the next couple weeks built a trust and started training. He gained weight and the shock went away. Eventually he was 100# of silly, fun, protective love. I think of him often. He is missed.
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what a beautiful thing. you touched him and loved him even when no one would give the poor pup a chance. you were his savior, his other half. he was so lucky to have you. God bless you always.