Triumph Over Pity (Dex's story)

Handsome Dex ready to start his new life.









All that is left of his old life, and soon that will be no more than a scar of triumph.


I work with many rescues and see a lot of very sad abuse cases. Recently we took in a new foster for Boise Bully Breed Rescue. Dex was found in a shelter by a kind woman in Hailey Idaho. His foot had thick wire embedded deep in it. She got him to a vet and had the wire removed. To every ones shock and horror the vet said the wire had been purposely wrapped around his foot almost causing him to loose it!

What happened to Dex is very sad and hard to even imagine. Like any kind person the only thing I wanted to do with Dex was smoother him in loves and kisses and pamper him to his hearts content, however, I know that this is not really what Dex needs to overcome his past.

I often work with clients who have rescued dogs from terrible situation and they have the best of intentions, but because they do not understand dog behavior they have unintentionally keep their beloved rescue pet a victim for years after their rescue.

How? By not allowing the dog to move past his victimised state. I here things like "He is afraid of sticks because he was teased with one at 6mo old" It may seem like that is why the dog fears sticks, but the reality is the dog is afraid because the owner has never allowed him to move past his fear and continues to foster it by comforting and babying every time the fear rises.

Just like with Dex, the moment he came into my home he was no longer a victim but a survivor. I do tell his story to help educate, but ask people not to pity him. Pity will not move him forward. Instead I ask people to rejoice in his triumph and help him over come his bad beginning. Yes, Dex had a horrible past, but he is expected to sit and wait for food just like the other dogs in the house. He is expected to walk nicely with the pack, and share toys just like all the other dogs. I don't treat him differently because I don't want him to feel differently. He needs what all dogs need. Rules, boundaries and a sense of purpose. If all I did was retell his victim story, pamper him, never ask anything more of him than to be a victim he would always be a victim. He does not deserve that and neither does any other dog. He deserves to be a champion, over coming his past and making the most out of his new life.

*Remember, don't pity a rescue dog. You will keep them from healing. Instead challenge them to be the dog they were born to be by expecting the best from them as a strong pack leader!

If you are interested in adopting Dex you can call me 208-3402824