When it comes to shelter dogs, even the most devastating cases can turn into heartwarming stories with only one photo, and Flapjack is the perfect example.
When the New Jersey rescue posted a photo of him lying completely flat on the floor, too scared to even lift his head, people from all around the country felt the same gut punch.
Flapjack wasn’t aggressive. His behavior wasn’t irreparable. He was just a dog suffering from shelter stress, and needed a break as soon as possible. And as it turned out, that one photo set off a chain of compassion that would change everything!
Flapjack’s Heartbreaking Situation
When Hounds in Pounds in New Jersey, a foster-based rescue organization, received a message about Flapjack, they knew they needed to step in. The shelter was overcrowded, had no space, and no time for this pup who just couldn’t lift his head from the floor.
“Since the day he arrived at the small, overcrowded shelter, Flapjack has done one thing: Pressed himself flat against the concrete floor,” the New Jersey shelter shared on Facebook.
Flapjack was completely shut down. He spent all his time hiding inside his kennel, as if trying to disappear.
“He stares into nothing. He refuses to lift his eyes. He has pancaked himself so completely into despair that it feels like he’s trying to disappear,” Hounds in Pounds added.
Fortunately, Hounds in Pounds had plenty of room for this boy.
Thanks to Chapin Veterinary Hospital, their partners in South Carolina, Flapjack, who was awaiting euthanasia at the shelter, was immediately transferred to their facility.
For the first time in what must have felt like forever, Flapjack was safe.
Transforming Into A Brand-New Dog
The dog’s caregivers knew his transformation wouldn’t happen overnight. Upon his arrival at the hospital, the staff could see the toll that trauma had taken. Flapjack was unsure of absolutely everything.
But even so, they didn’t want to give up. Slowly, they showed Flapjack kindness, compassion, and let him adjust to a new environment at his own pace. Soon enough, this sweet boy began to change.
Flapjack started to learn what it meant to be loved. His whole demeanor changed, his tail started to wag, and he even managed to lift his head.
Then, after a few weeks, the pup finally came out of his shell. In a heartwarming video posted by the hospital, Flapjack was featured “dancing around the office,” practically inviting other dogs to join in. At that point, the caregivers knew: Flapjack had blossomed into a brand-new dog.
After many failed attempts to help him, this brave pup finally transformed into a bouncing bundle of love. His fear melted into curiosity, and his body, once pancaked in despair, began to move with confidence.
Since his arrival at the hospital, Flapjack has been moved to a nice foster home with an amazing family, where his true personality resurfaced.
“Whether it’s morning walks, weekend road trips, or couch snuggles after dinner, FLAPJACK is all in. Adventure awaits with this bouncing bundle of love,” Hounds in Pounds wrote in another post.
Together with his parents and two other doggo siblings, Flapjack is learning all about being a dog. He runs, plays, explores new things, and receives all the love he had been missing out on in the past.
Hopefully, Flapjack’s future is just as bright.
