Even with the best efforts of shelter teams, providing comfort and happiness to every animal can be challenging.
The dog in this story struggled to adjust as well. But, thanks to a clever idea from the staff, he finally got the chance to relax and shine.
Struggling To Cope Inside The Shelter
Zappa, a 7-year-old dog, faced that struggle when he was brought to The Animal Foundation in Nevada after being found abandoned in a Las Vegas apartment.
Life behind the kennel doors was overwhelming for him. The constant barking, unfamiliar smells, and echoing sounds of anxious dogs made it nearly impossible for Zappa to relax.
“The shelter can be a strange and stressful place for most dogs and does not provide an accurate indication of how the dog will act in a home environment,” said Kelsey Pizzi from The Animal Foundation.
She added that dogs often appear withdrawn, fearful, or restless while in shelters, even though those reactions do not reflect their genuine personalities.
Despite his nervousness, Zappa quickly captured the hearts of the staff, who couldn’t help but adore his distinctive, oversized ears that seemed almost too big for his body.
A Chance To Breathe Beyond The Kennel Walls
Seeing how uneasy he remained, the team decided to give Zappa a change of scenery.
They arranged a special day trip with a foster volunteer, believing that a few peaceful hours away from the noise might help him rediscover his spark.
“Foster field trips are a great way to give a dog a break from the shelter. It gives us a better representation of the dog’s true personality,” the staff explained.
Their instincts proved right. Once Zappa stepped outside, the difference in his demeanor was immediate. His tail lifted, his eyes brightened, and his cautious energy turned into pure enthusiasm.
His foster took him to Mount Charleston, where the fresh air and quiet trails worked wonders.
Photos from the outing captured Zappa transformed: ears perked, tongue out, and body relaxed as he trotted happily through the landscape.
“Zappa did great in the car. He’s also a great hiking buddy. He’s full of energy but walks great on the leash and never pulls,” said Zappa’s foster carer.
The adventure didn’t end when the hike did. Because Zappa had been so well-behaved, his foster rewarded him with a special treat: doggie ice cream.
After the hike, we needed a reward so we decided to get doggie ice cream. He got lots of pets from kids at the ice cream shop and he did amazing and was very patient,” his foster said.
He also continued to impress with his obedience, responding to commands while sneaking in a few extra seconds of roll-over time in hopes of earning more belly rubs.
It was clear he was beginning to trust again.
Finding The Person He Was Meant For
When Zappa returned to the shelter, he was transformed. Gone was the anxious, withdrawn dog the staff had first met. In his place stood a cheerful, hopeful pup, radiating joy and confidence.
Before long, his new attitude caught someone’s eye.
A woman named Tiffanie stopped by the shelter and felt an instant connection. She knew almost immediately that Zappa was meant to be hers.
Tiffanie adopted him soon after, giving him the home and stability he had been waiting for. Now, the two are inseparable, spending their days walking together, sharing endless belly rubs, and occasionally stopping for ice cream, just as he did on his day of rediscovery.
