No canine should ever be left homeless. The shock of abandonment brings lasting effects, making it exceedingly challenging to regain their confidence.
Mama, the forsaken Pittie discovered in the fields of California, was left vulnerable to the elements. This timid girl spent months surviving on her own, distant from any human presence.
Whenever someone would approach her, she would flee in terror. For reasons unknown, Mama was extremely fearful of people, and she did not allow anyone to get close… until one fateful day when a compassionate man made a life-altering choice!
Abandoned In A Desolate Place
Danny Spanks, a radio DJ from Bakersfield, California, and the mastermind behind A SafeFurr Place Animal Rescue, has been a dog rescuer for many years. Even before encountering Mama, he had dedicated himself to rescuing numerous stray pups from dire situations.
Witnessing a frightened and mistreated dog evolve into a new companion has consistently been Danny’s greatest passion. And now, it was time to assist Mama!
Prior to Danny’s involvement, many individuals shared posts about this Pittie who had been lurking in the fields beside a road, far from any community. Mama managed to survive a staggering 15 long months alone before Danny spotted her for the first time.
Although Danny was uncertain about how this lovely girl ended up on her own, he speculated that Mama had been used for breeding and then discarded far from her initial home.
“Dogs like Mama get pregnant, they have their puppies, maybe mama nurtures them for a while and then she is taken someplace and abandoned,” Danny remarked.
Mama was hiding in a random orchard outside Bakersfield next to a pile of debris that included a mattress and box springs. To ensure she would not stray too far, the following day, Danny constructed a shelter for her and set it up as her feeding spot.
Numerous Unsuccessful Rescue Efforts
Each day, this generous man would drive for nearly an hour to check on Mama. Even though she remained too frightened to approach him, Danny exhibited great patience. He would sit in the orchard with food, turn his back towards Mama, and wait.
He continued this routine for months, until one day, Mama cautiously made her way towards her rescuer. She gently sniffed his back, picked up the food next to him, and then dashed away.
Even though she still had much progress to make, Danny was thrilled to witness Mama beginning to open up. The fact that she approached him was monumental, and Danny believed it was only a matter of time before she would lower her defenses.
In the following months, Danny dedicated himself to the journey, checking on Mama every day. It became a routine – he would park near the orchard, sit in the field, and await Mama’s arrival.
After a while, this adorable girl began wagging her tail whenever she heard the sound of Danny’s car. She would literally perform zoomies at a safe distance, celebrating the arrival of her friend.
One day, Danny laid down on the ground, placed some treats in his hand, and waited. After careful contemplation, Mama cautiously approached Danny and took the treats from his palm.
This was the very first time that this delightful dog made contact with Danny’s hand. He was ecstatic to finally witness Mama opening up, yet despite his joy, he maintained his composure to avoid frightening her.
Ultimately, Mama fully warmed up to Danny. She began to follow him, sit beside him, and accept treats from his hand. Since she wouldn’t allow him to put a leash on her, Danny decided to take a different route.
With a few friends, he devised a humane trap and enticed Mama into it with food. The moment she entered, Danny realized – Mama was finally secure!
Mama – The Sweetest Lovebug
The two devoted months to earning Mama’s trust. It required diligent effort and extensive social interaction, but in the end, Mama flourished into a remarkable companion.
“Every time she’s right next to me, and there’s a smile on her face. I just cherish it, and it means the world to me. That was always my aim, to have this dog trust me and love me the same as I love her,” Danny shared with The Dodo.
She even began to engage with other dogs and humans. Danny found out that Mama has a great fondness for children! She has completely fallen for her little neighbor, Ryden.
The two share an extraordinary connection, and at times it seems as though Ryden is Mama’s most cherished human on the planet. When he is present, no one else matters to her.
Danny made the decision to keep Mama permanently. For Danny, witnessing her finally joyful after enduring so much heartache is the ultimate reward. That’s why Mama will never again have to face the anxiety of searching for a new home. She already has the ideal one!