A Chance to Blossom

By Angie Benz

Isn’t it true that in certain situations we all need the opportunity to become comfortable enough, feel safe enough, and feel loved enough to be who we truly are inside— especially if we’ve been hurt in the past? The same is true for animals. If you’ve ever gotten close to a dog or cat (or cow or pig or parakeet for that matter), you know ... they are not emotionless robots, although we often expect them to be. They protect themselves in a myriad of ways when scared, physcially hurting, or heart hurting, and this masks their true personality—often to their detriment. By giving a dog an opportunity time to relax or freeing them from a stressful situation, you can see a whole new wonderfulpersonality unfold. The key is giving them a chance. Many people miss out by not doing so!

When I volunteer at Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS), I see beautiful dogs blossom and transform every time I'm there. The transformation can be sudden or slow; it can happen immediately or one step at a time, built on patience and trust. But watching a dog (or cat) transform is one of the most rewarding experiences I've had while volunteering.

Quick transformations are particularly fascinating. Let's talk about "Rufus." Rufus could be any dog, at any shelter, anywhere. Rufus hates his kennel, and unfortunately, that’s where he has to spend the majority of his day while he waits for a family to come along and take him home. He barks and jumps, maybe he spins in frantic circles. He may even lunge as people walk by.

Rufus is frustrated and most people can’t see past that behavior to the dog we know is underneath—the dog he blossoms into the dog we know the moment he exits the kennel.

We had a “Rufus,” not long ago, that reminded me, yet again, to not judge a dog by his kennel behavior. I’m not even going to lie, when I walked up to his kennel, I had to stop and give myself a pep talk. He was the classic case of kennel frustration. I —mentally and physically— prepared myself to be dragged down the aisle upon taking him out. I was so wrong. The very moment the kennel door opened and he exited, he transformed! He walked beautifully on leash. He sat politely when asked, and took treats oh-so-gently. He leaned in for cuddles. His transformation was quick and drastic.

As magical as those sudden transformations are, there’s something equally special about the slow change. Case in point, another any dog, at any shelter, anywhere—we'll call her "Sissy"—sits in her kennel trembling. She shakes when people approach, she hides in the corner and averts her eyes. She tries desperately to make herself small and unnoticeable. Her transformation takes time, patience, and a lot of love. But, oh—when it happens. When you get that first tail wag; when she feels safe enough to lean in for cuddles; when she ventures off to explore for a few feet before checking back in; when she begins to greet others and her confidence slowly begins to grow. It’s an amazing process to watch and be part of—her blossoming is slow and it is beautiful.

But perhaps the most important transformation of all comes when a dog (or cat!) leaves the shelter and enters a home. Living in a kennel for weeks, or even months, is stressful! They need time—to decompress, to learn new routines, to realize they are safe, and to build bonds based on trust. And for that lucky adopter who can give them all of that, when they get to see them blossom from shelter dog (or cat!) to beloved pet, well that is the best transformation of all.

Lots of great dogs (and cats!) are waiting for you at Animal Care and Protective Services. Adopt, foster, or volunteer!

/ 2020 Forest St. Jacksonville | coj.net/pets

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