Chase is Miniature Poodle who is barely 2 years old.  I originally found him while on patrol with my fellow Humane Investigator.  He was filthy, covered in huge mats all over his body and was running loose in a rough neighborhood.  We chased him for blocks until he made his way back home.  After speaking with his owners (who, I might add, weren't too concerned that he was running in traffic) we discovered that their 9 year old son was Chase's sole caretaker and he was quickly loosing interest in the dog.  They decided he was just too much trouble and chose to give him up for adoption.

I decided to foster him and the first night I had him, it took 2 1/2 hours to leash him up and take him outside.  He was terrified and was being very protective of himself.  It was clear he had been shown little to no compassion from his former "family" and had learned that he was the only one he could count on.  Chase would barely move on the leash.  Every time I gently coaxed him he would move 1 foot 1 step closer (which he got lots of praise for).  After much work, he now comes out of his crate on his own, goes to the door before I even get there and lets me pet him.  He even gives me kisses!  What a brave boy.

He is still in desperate need of a grooming, but I am waiting until he feels more comfortable with me and I can get him used to the sound of the clippers.  He has come so far and I want to be sure we don't have any set backs in him learning to trust people again.

Would you like help the rescue that took chase in?  Donate in Honor of Chase.