Dahsha’s Rescue

Prepared by Sara Liberto

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE

Tracking progress and rehabilitation after trauma
5-6 month old puppy, weighing approximately 7lbs; 20” long (nose to tail); 15” height (paws to spine)

Exhibited fearfulness and skepticism of human beings
Escaped poor living conditions – living amongst 100+ dogs being hoarded in captivity; no human touch; being screamed at daily; living amongst other dogs fighting
Escaped and thrust into survival mode for 2+ weeks in wilderness to survive another hostile environment with coyote packs, bobcats, and mountain lions
Survived attempted homicide by coyote; grabbed by neck and head, shook, somehow escaped; neck wound was a 1” gaping hole, deep; head wounds were scratches, one significant gash, accompanied by hair matted with pinyon tree sap

Nearly effortless rescue (> 3 minutes) – lured her inside with chicken wing on a hemp string and hot pork belly
She was emaciated, perhaps due to hiding for days after injury from attack
Upon entering home, brief confusion and concern once she realized the door was closed and she had no exit
Quickly became at ease, eating, drinking water, resting/laying down, curiosity about me & indoor environment
Highly skeptical of me, but still seemed to have a sense of trust and openness, perhaps due to my giving her food and being non-threatening

Encouraged autonomy; assurance of safety via non-threatening presence
Ensured that her best interests were mine
An ever-present resource for food and basic needs
Minimal interaction/stimulation to recalibrate the nervous system
Soft sounds; no working or loud hammering/noises; played instrumental jazz and piano daily/nightly
Spread potty pads throughout house and didn’t respond to or try to control where she eliminated
Full autonomy

Recover from prolonged fear
Created an environment of predictability – objects in their place, no sudden shifts or abrupt sounds, walking and moving with consciousness and mindfulness, protected her vulnerability
Did not approach her – let her approach me
Soft sounds, warm lighting, warm/cozy temps, soft blankets
Consistent and routine feeding/water times
Minimal/brief eye contact
No other people in the house (with exception of vet visit)
Maintained a calm and neutral presence
Minimal speaking – used soft whisper and low voice

from fear and skepticism to her approaching and following me around
from avoidance to letting me pet under her chin while feeding from hand
from staying mostly under the sofa to staying mostly on top of both sofas
Learned name and responds or comes when called (week 2)
Week 1- mostly sleeping, eating, eliminating; Week 2- same, but more energy and personality emerging when awake
from apprehension to confidence – as fear melted away, she started to become herself and show her personality, started using her voice, assumed a more dominating position on top of the sofas versus underneath them, explored freely, playfulness and silliness emerged in second week
went from being scared of the outside to curiosity and interest in going out
Developed an attachment to me in week 2; doesn’t like when I leave, even for an hour - upon returning she creates slight distance between us, looks at me with skepticism, hides under sofa, refuses treats
from no stretching to quite frequent stretching; when climbing into bed or onto sofa, long leg stretching before settling in; stretches at food station
from terrified to stabilized