Eldad from the animal rescue organization named Hope For Paws embarked on another mission to rescue a small dog who was said to be living on a pile of trash. According to people in the area, Ralph, as the dog was called, was abused by his previous owner, neglected, then abandoned. Neighbors were feeding the dog while one took pictures and sent it to Hope For Paws on Facebook.
Eldad waited at the dog’s usual hang out spot. It didn’t take a while for the little dog to show up. Ralph was very nervous and got quite aggressive. He would run around Eldad while barking. The rescuer knew this wouldn’t be an easy rescue.
The rescuer set up a cage to lure Ralph inside, but the small dog was cautious. He was hungry, but his survival instinct kept kicking in, preventing him from getting caught in the trap. Eldad decided to drop the trap and tried to gain Ralph’s trust instead.
Ralph was every bit aggressive and wary of the rescuer. Even when Eldad offered him food, Ralph never stopped barking and running away. He wanted the food, but he was too nervous and scared. Knowing that the little dog wouldn’t let him get close yet, Eldad called it a day and decided to try again tomorrow, this time with reinforcements. Sigal Shilian, a volunteer for Hope for Paws, accompanied Eldad the next day. She proved to be quite the fearless woman despite warnings from Eldad that Ralph may bite.
Though still apprehensive, Ralph mustered the courage to eat from Sigal’s hand. Both rescuers tried to get his trust, but it didn’t prove easy. After some time has passed, Ralph was still not ready. Rescuers went back to setting up a trap and filled it with food. Ralph went inside the cage for the food, and the trap finally locked.
At last, Ralph was safe, dry, and on his way to a clinic for a check-up. The first 10 minutes inside the clinic was very intense for Ralph. His nervousness and fear made him aggressive again. Eldad knew he just needed to be reminded that human touch is harmless. Patiently, Eldad tried to touch Ralph with a towel then with his hands, risking getting bitten. A few minutes and ounces of patience later, Eldad was able to touch Ralph and gain his trust.
Three months after his rescue, Ralph got adopted by his new Mom, Tina. He is now a very loving house dog that loves to be pet and plays in a big back yard with his brother. A transformation that all rescuers were very happy to see.
Images courtesy of Hope For Paws Youtube Channel
