Working in street dog rescue is never simple. It often requires long hours, quiet persistence, and a deep well of compassion. Many stray dogs have endured so much trauma that they no longer trust people, making it incredibly difficult to approach them.
In these cases, rescuers often rely on humane traps, kennels baited with food, to safely bring frightened dogs to safety.
That was exactly the situation Suzette Hall faced when she set out to help one terrified pup who had been hiding in a patch of bushes near a California bank.
A Nervous Dog Finds Shelter In A Rainy Corner
Suzette was alerted to the dog’s presence near a bank’s drive-thru, where she had been living among the shrubs. Time was critical.
A kind woman named Crystal had already stepped in to help, placing a small crate nearby to give the dog some shelter, especially important since it had been raining often.
Thanks to Crystal’s kindness, the dog stayed close. But when Suzette arrived, she quickly saw how fearful the pup was. She trembled at every sound and avoided all contact.
For several days, Suzette tried everything she could think of, but the dog remained too frightened to come near. Even the traps, usually reliable, failed to work.
The reason? The bank’s generous employees had been feeding the dog regularly. While their kindness was touching, it meant the pup never felt hungry enough to enter the trap.
Suzette didn’t let that stop her. When her own car broke down, she borrowed her mother’s older vehicle, even though it lacked her usual rescue gear.
She was determined to help this dog, no matter what.
A Quiet Sunday Brings A New Opportunity
Suzette reached out to her friend Lorena Zeballos, and together they came up with a new plan.
They realized that since the bank would be closed on Sunday, the dog wouldn’t receive her usual meals. That gave them a rare chance to try the trap again.
The rescue still wasn’t easy. The dog remained extremely skittish. She would peek out from the bushes, then dart back at the slightest noise or movement, but Suzette and Lorena stayed calm and patient. They believed Sunday would be the day.
And they were right.
The dog finally noticed the trap. She circled it slowly, cautiously sniffing the air. Then, with hesitant steps, she walked inside. The trap closed gently behind her. She was safe.
After days of effort, Suzette and Lorena could finally breathe. The dog even reached her paw toward them, as if she understood she was finally in caring hands.
A Future Filled With Hope And Healing
Now that she’s no longer alone, this once-terrified dog is surrounded by love and care. Suzette is committed to helping her recover, both physically and emotionally, and preparing her for a future with a family who will never let her down.
This rescue is a powerful reminder of what patience, compassion, and determination can achieve. Suzette never gave up, and because of that, one more dog has a second chance at life.
