Dilly didn’t know where to go. Dilly, the black-and-white dog, was terrified of people. She walked alone in Houston, Texas. Although she made her presence known, she was not averse of being approached.
Dilly needed to be able to communicate with other dogs. Kristin Erwin, dog rescuer, had plenty of time.
Erwin said, “[I]She was very scared of this dog. She ran away as soon as she saw you. There was no stopping her or getting her attention.”
Erwin waited patiently until Dilly felt confident enough to approach one his traps. After Dilly was safe, Erwin brought her inside and began the tedious process of getting the fearful dog used to living in a house.
You can watch a video about Dilly’s journey that Erwin made here:
According to Erwin, “I gave Dilly her very own room. After leaving her alone for a couple of days, I began to spend some time in her room throughout the day, talking to her or hand-feeding. She had the most adorable little lips and underbite. I remember it was day 10 when I got my first tail wag out of her.”
After being in Erwin’s care for a month, Dilly eventually worked up the courage to leave her room by herself. After realizing she didn’t have to fear, Dilly quickly became accustomed to the mansion’s amenities.
“She finally ventured down the hallway on her own and observed what the living room was all about,” Erwin said. “Once she found the couch, the rest was history. I remember we would even put her food bowl on the couch like a princess.”
Erwin was able to get close to the dog, and was impressed with her endurance and courage.
“I really enjoy watching a dog’s transformation, but when it’s from a fearful, shut down, dog to a relaxed, ‘enjoying life again’ dog, it’s everything!” Erwin said. “Once she let her guard down, she was a whole new dog.”
Dilly had gained confidence but now needed a stable home. Unbeknownst to Dilly or Erwin, someone had been stalking Erwin’s Instagram updates and developing a slow romantic interest in the once-nervous dog. Even though she had not seen Dilly in person, Erwin’s old high school acquaintance made her feel instantly attracted to her.
Erwin remarked, “I was super excited that Dilly could potentially be rehomed to someone close.”
Dilly gradually adjusted her permanent residence. Dilly now feels safe and secure with her family, doing all she loves.
“Dilly really hit it off with her family,” Erwin said. “She quickly befriended their dogs, as well as her young son. They walk around the neighborhood, go to Starbucks for puppuccinos, and they also enjoy a cup of coffee. [and she]Sleeps in their bed. She has it all. Most importantly she has a family that loves her unconditionally, even if she is still a little quirky.”
Source: The Dodo
