When a terrified, black Staffy puppy, named Jennings originally, was brought to the Orangeburg County Animal Control in South Carolina, she was overcome by fear, cowering in the corner with her small body trembling and her eyes wide with terror. Flinching from the booming barks from the other dogs, your heart can’t help but break for this petrified pup seemingly so alone in the world.
Her Tragic Past
Jennings’ fearful response is understandable when you learn about her traumatic history. She was tortured by her previous owner when she allegedly nipped him when he cornered her and aggressively picked her up.
After this alleged nip, the man threw the pup in a wire crate outside, exposed to the elements. He then locked the door, placed a homemade sign with the word “quarantine” on the crate, and “threw away the key”. Junie sat for days in that crate in her own excrement, until she was rescued by Animal Control.
Thankfully, Jennings’ story didn’t end in that cage. Orangeburg County Animal Control shared the devastating video, hoping someone could offer her the love she so desperately needed. And thankfully, someone answered the call.
A New Name, A New Start
Labor of Love Transport Rescue saw the video and couldn’t ignore the plea. They stepped in, determined to give Jennings a chance at a better life. When they first brought this scared pup home, she was not only terrified of humans but was in a terrible state. Covered in her own waste, she was so filthy that the Animal Control that had rescued her thought she was a boy.
However, after being wiped down with a washcloth and warm water, the staff at Labor of Love Transport Rescue were shocked to realize she was in fact a girl. They decided to give her a new name—Juniper, or Junie for short. This simple act was the first step in helping her move past her traumatic past.
Despite their gentle care, Juniper remained terrified of humans. She would flinch when touched, and any attempt to pick her up sent her into a panic. Yet, despite her fear, she never tried to bite. Deep down, she seemed to know that these new people were there to help, not harm her.
With A Little Help From My Furry Friends
While Juniper was still skeptical of humans, the rescue staff quickly learned that she loved other dogs. A crucial part of Junie’s recovery has been attending doggy daycare. While it was very scary at first, having to be carried to the doggy daycare center and peeing all over herself in the process, she slowly became more confident, zigzag walking there on her own.
After attending for a few months, she now loves it and is even starting to make some friends. These new furry friends helped her feel more comfortable, and within a few days, she started to play and explore.
Junie may still not love humans all over her, but she still allows her foster family to give her a few pats, gaining more and more trust each and every day. Her foster family, patient and loving, gave her the space and time she needed to heal. They enrolled her in doggie daycare, where she continued to gain confidence and enjoy the company of other dogs.
A Beautiful Transformation
Today, Juniper is a completely different dog. Her eyes, once filled with fear, now sparkle with happiness. The love and care she received transformed her from a terrified puppy into a joyful, playful dog. Juniper’s journey from a life of neglect to one of love and care is a powerful reminder of the resilience of animals and the difference that kindness can make.
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