Trust is a difficult thing to earn. Yet finally, having it will also be one of the most satisfying feelings. Hard-earned trust is indeed worth the effort and patience. Carley Coca started out helping animals at a young age. Since then, she tries to help animals in need whenever the opportunity arises. Thus, she spends her free time as a volunteer at Paw Print Hearts Rescue.
Upon seeing a Facebook post about three abandoned dogs in a church near her place, Coca resolved to help. She drove to the church and tried to collect all three dogs to bring to safety. She was successful in getting the two, Lily and Zeus, into her car. Unfortunately, Chance, the third dog, refused to be coaxed into the car.
In fact, Chance wouldn’t stop barking, and despite all the tricks Coca tried to appease him, he eventually ran away. Leaving him behind broke Coca’s heart, but she knew she had to see to the welfare of Lily and Zeus too. That first day, Coca drove off without Chance.
Abandonment issues are not uncommon to deserted pets. It can impair the victim’s ability to trust others. And although dealing with them difficult, they have their own brand of charm. Coca knew she shouldn’t give up. As soon as Coca found foster homes for Lily and Zeus, she went back for Chance.
Every day after work, she would drive for about 30 minutes to go to the church. She would also buy ten cheeseburgers, something to entice Chance into coming out. She would patiently sit for up to three hours and simply toss cheeseburgers to the dog.
However, every time Coca attempted to get closer, Chance would run away. Coca also tried bringing Lily with her in her visits. Although Chance was obviously happy to see her old friend, he still won’t allow Coca to come near him. On day 6, Chance stopped hiding on his shed. He started to wait for Coca’s arrival at the driveway. But still, he wouldn’t allow Coca to go near him.
Amazingly, after eight days of the daily visit, Coca’s patience bore fruit. To her shock, Chance happily greeted her upon arrival, wagging his tail and licking Coca’s hand. Instead of running away, he happily laid down, and Coca had the first opportunity to pet him. Coca was nervous at first, afraid of the uncertainty of Chance’s reaction. But Chance showed he finally trusted her, going into the car with her. Coca can’t help but cry happy tears.
Coca took Chance to the vet for a much-needed check-up. He was so skinny and covered in ticks, fleas, and burrs. Chance is currently staying with Coca to recover. She plans to keep her for at least three months before finding him a forever home. According to Coca, Chance is still wary and afraid of getting near other people, but otherwise doing great.
We look forward to seeing Chance become more trusting and outgoing again. For now, we join Chance in thanking Coca for her relentless effort and patience. You are a real hero, saving one dog (or two) at a time!
Credits to Carley Coca
