A Kentucky puppy mill was recently raided for the poor conditions animals were kept. Over 100 puppies were rescued from the mill by the ASPCA, one puppy names Tyra was having a very difficult time adjusting.
When the workers first approached Tyra, she would shut down and freeze in place. The animal behavior team did an evaluation on Tyra, she responded by freezing in fear. She reeled in terror when a child’s doll was introduced to the session. Tyra was even to afraid to eat her food.
These dedicated ASPCA workers did not give up on Tyra. For several months they tried to coax her out of her shell using the same behavioral techniques. Tyra began responding and the transformation appeared like it was a completely different dog. She was responding to the toys, playing with the caretakers, and even her tail was wagging when she interacted with different workers. The workers used the same doll that Tyra was terrified of, now she ran up to it and playfully acknowledged that she was no longer afraid.
Even though Tyra was treated to some horrific conditions for most of her life, it goes to show you that with a little love and patience, these dogs can recover from those traumatic situations they were unwillingly placed into at those puppy mills. It only took a few months for the team to completely change the demeanor of this beautiful pup. She now lives with a loving family who will ensure she is loved for the rest of her life.