The life of a stray is filled with sadness and uncertainty. These innocent pups lack human love, and they dream of the day when they will finally find a loving home.
Sadly, these dogs often get mistreated on the streets, and they end up becoming frightened and distrustful canines. Even after they get rescued and brought to shelters, they sometimes can’t get rid of their overwhelming fear.
Magnolia, a Belgian Malinois, was one of those frightened stray pups who lost her trust in humans. After being picked up from the streets, she was brought to Napa County Animal Shelter, located in California, where she began displaying highly aggressive behavior.
Meeting Magnolia For The First Time
Due to her excessive barking and negative behavior, Magnolia was kept in a kennel for weeks. The shelter staff members were having a hard time interacting with her. She didn’t even let them feed her.
Unfortunately, the shelter was at capacity, and the doggo was at risk of ending up on the euthanasia list.
Shelter staff contacted Saharai Salazar, an aggression and fear specialist and the founder of Wolfmother K9 Rescue Services, a non-profit organization which works with behaviorally challenged dogs and euthanasia-listed dogs.
When Saharai came to meet Magnolia, the pup was very aggressive to her, too. Unlike other people, Saharai was able to see the dog’s true soul. She knew that Magnolia was just a pup who was desperately asking for help.
“Many people would just see this dog snarling and trying to bite me whenever I put my hand up to that kennel. But what I saw instead were these cries for help. These behavioral responses aren’t who they really are inside. It’s really important to find this true soul of every dog,” said Saharai.
Gaining Her Trust
Saharai was determined to win Magnolia’s trust, and she began feeding her chicken nuggets while the dog stayed inside her kennel. The doggo quickly ate all the chicken nuggets she got.
Slowly, but surely, Magnolia started approaching Saharai a little bit more every day. She would sometimes come closer and then move back. It was clear that the pooch was still hesitant and frightened.
“That is our clue that this is fear that we’re working with. It’s not this standard aggression.”
After a few days, her change became evident. Magnolia started coming out of her kennel more often. She brought Saharai the toys that were inside her kennel.
Magnolia Transforms Into An Affectionate Pup
Saharai knew that the sweet pup wanted to bond with her. Magnolia wagged her tail as soon as she saw her. Saharai’s heart melted when she ran into her arms and hugged her. She looked happy, and she kept licking Saharai’s face.
Feeling that Magnolia was ready, Saharai took her outside on her first walk. The second person Magnolia bonded with was Saharai’s fiance.
Saharai wanted to expand Magnolia’s social circle, and the pup started spending time with other staff members and volunteers. She would throw herself on the ground, asking for belly rubs with a wide grin on her face.
Everyone who interacted with her said that she was a real love bug. The shelter staff and volunteers were stunned with her transformation. Magnolia was unrecognizable.
Finding A Loving Home That She Deserved
Saharai and the shelter staff continued working with her, and they took her hiking and camping. They saw a different side of Magnolia. She blossomed into a delightful and affectionate doggo.
“It often doesn’t take very big extreme changes. Just consideration, patience and empathy can go such a long way. Kindness is the way we’re going to change this world. And Magnolia is the perfect example of that,” said Saharai.
Magnolia’s human friends helped her find a forever home. She now lives in Los Angeles. Her parents, Evelyn and Andrew, love her deeply. The loving pup loves playing with her toys and playing with her furry siblings.
I’m thrilled that Magnolia found her forever home. I’m thankful to Saharai for believing in her. Thanks to her patience and compassion, Magnolia succeeded in overcoming her fears, and she now lives the life she always dreamed of.