Now that's a photo I wasn't sure you'd ever see.
When Bugsy arrived on a Sunday evening a month ago, we had expected a lovable cuddlebug of a dog. That's how he had been at the foster home in North Carolina where he had stayed for weeks until our transport could pick him up. He had been that way during his trip, with the driver telling us how sweet Bugsy was.
When the van pulled in to the farm (I was out of town visiting family at the time), blind Penny and Max were also on board, along with Bugsy. Alayne had already put all the other dogs up so there wouldn't be any one else in the front yard. Alayne and the driver unloaded the three dogs and put them out in the yard to do their business. The driver had really fallen for Bugsy, so he asked Alayne if she could take a photo of him holding Bugsy. Alayne went over, picked up Bugsy and handed him to the driver, then took the photo. Then Alayne held Bugsy while the driver took a photo of her with the dog. Photo session complete, Alayne put Bugsy back in the yard, and the driver packed up the van and headed out of town.
About 20 minutes later, while I was in a restaurant in Washington, D.C. having dinner with family, my cell phone rang. It was Alayne. I could hear the shock and fear in her voice. Without any warning, Bugsy had attacked her when she went back out to bring him inside. He had repeatedly lunged at her, snarling, teeth bared. And he kept coming. She managed to stay just one step ahead, and retreated into the house. She was stunned.
She let him cool down for a few minutes, then tried to approach him again. When Bugsy heard her coming, he growled then charged once more. She fled for the house again. That's when she called me. "It's like somebody switched dogs on me," she told me. "One minute I'm picking him and holding him for photos, and the next minute he's attacking me."
I was in shock listening to this on the phone. This was not the dog we thought we were getting. I had seen photos of the wonderful lady who had fostered him, Jacqueline H., holding Bugsy in her arms ... of Bugsy in her home, surrounded by her other dogs ... of Bugsy sitting on her husband's lap. This was not the dog the transport driver had taken into his hotel room so Bugsy could sleep on the bed with him.
And, of course, I felt helpless being hundreds of miles away, with Alayne alone at the farm dealing with this situation. I asked her to call in our employee Kate to help, but above all to not put themselves in danger.
By the time Kate got to the farm that evening, Alayne had already managed to get Bugsy in a crate by placing some food in it. But as she slammed the crate door shut, he turned and lunged at it, trying to bite her hand through it. Kate helped her carry the crate into the house.
For the next couple of days, Kate and Alayne carried Bugsy in the crate to and from a separate yard, where he would be by himself. At that stage we didn't know how he would react to other dogs. He would venture out of the crate to go potty, then return to it. When Alayne or Kate approached, he'd growl from inside the crate -- even when they brought him food -- but not go after them. They'd close the crate door and carry him back to the dog room for the night.
When I returned Wednesday evening, I went out to see our new arrival, who growled as I approached. I talked to him, but his body language was all about fear. An hour later, Bugsy happened to be outside his crate in the yard when I took him his dinner. I talked to him, shook the bowl in my hand so he could hear it was food, and crouched down to place it on the ground in front of him. In an instant he lunged for me, snarling. I grabbed the bowl and used it as a shield to block him, holding it in front of his face as I backed away.
Egads. I wondered what we had gotten ourselves into.
We knew Bugsy had suffered enormously before coming to us. His eyes had literally been knocked out of his head from trauma of some sort. Someone had called the local animal control to report they had found Bugsy in their yard, with his eyes hanging outside the sockets. Really.
Jacqueline, who had first contacted us about him while he was still at the shelter, sent me some photos of what he looked like. This is truly graphic and disturbing, so don't click on that tiny photo to see a larger version unless you can stomach it.
We wondered whether Bugsy was having some kind of canine version of post-traumatic stress disorder breakdown, or whether he was one of those very rare dogs with 'canine rage syndrome,' or perhaps a brain injury from the trauma that could cause unpredictable behavior. Whatever it was, he was clearly frightened of us, and we were now frightened of him.
The strange thing was that no one had seen this in him before. He had been in a vet clinic for a few weeks, having his eyes removed and receiving other medical care, which had been generously paid for by a New York-based group called Last Chance Animal Rescue. They work to save dogs in high-kill shelters, and this was the group Jacqueline was volunteering for when she asked if we could take Bugsy. The vet clinic hadn't experienced any problems with him. And then Jacqueline had fostered him for weeks with no aggression issues.
So what could cause him to flip out like this?
Knowing Bugsy needed professional help, I contacted Dr. Lisa Nelson, a veterinary behavior medicine specialist in Vermont. She was on vacation, but when she learned about our situation, she graciously offered to do a consultation with us and develop a treatment plan.
While she couldn't explain why Bugsy would suddenly switch from lovebug to terror on arrival here, Dr. Nelson did say that the last thing Bugsy now needed was any more change in his life. Coming here might have been that one step too far for Bugsy and it sent him over the edge. Based on our description of the events, his body language, and his overall behavior, it appeared we were seeing fear aggression. She gave us a set of to-do's and not-to-do's in working with Bugsy, and we set out to follow her plan.
Among them: we needed to get Bugsy to associate us with yummy things, so whenever we went into the yard he was in, we'd toss him a treat or two. We never approached him, but let him set the distance boundary he was comfortable with.
Dr. Nelson said the one mistake too many people make in dealing with fear aggression is trying to force the dog to engage. If the dog doesn't want to engage, all you end up doing is triggering another round of fear aggression. So the goal is to let the dog decide on his own when, and how, to engage.
One other thing we had already done by that point was put another blind dog in with Bugsy, this being quiet and gentle Willie the Beagle. After a supervised introduction, we could tell Bugsy was going to be fine with Willie as a companion. We learned long ago that dogs model other dogs' behaviors, and the best way for fearful or skittish dogs to get over their distrust is to have other dogs jumping up and down for our attention. Dr. Nelson thought this would definitely help.
And then, of course, there's the passage of time -- or as our vet in Montana, Dr. Brenda Culver, used to call it, "the tincture of time."
As the days ticked by, Bugsy became more comfortable, but he still spent most of his time hiding out in his crate in the big dog house in the yard. We'd carry him out of the house in the crate every morning, set it down and open the door. In the evening, he'd be inside the crate so we'd close the door and carry him back inside. But he was no longer growling at us.
Then we added another and more exuberant blind Beagle, Louie, to the mix. Every day, Bugsy would hear Willie and Louie eagerly greeting us at the gate. He could tell Louie would be happily jumping up at us when we went into the yard. Every evening, of course, back in the dog room he could hear us interacting with all the other dogs. We could see him sitting in his crate, head cocked, listening to the happy sounds.
After a couple of weeks, we noticed Bugsy was finally starting to spend more time outside in the yard and not in his crate. That was a very good sign.
He started to get excited when we brought him his dinner, and though still in his crate, he was clearly happy and expectant when we showed up.
He stopped retreating into the crate whenever he heard us approach, and began staying outside in the yard while we were there -- though he'd keep his distance.
The breakthrough came about a week ago. I went into the yard to scoop the poop, and knelt down to make over Louie. Bugsy was just about two feet away, listening to Louie getting loved up. Slowly ... very slowly ... Bugsy crept closer and closer. Finally, he was right next to me, then leaning against me, sitting down. He lifted his head up and "looked" at me. I carefully ... very carefully ... reached down to pet him. He rolled slightly away -- at first I thought he was leaving -- but then realized he was trying to get me to scratch his tummy.
Wow. My heart stopped.
Day by day from then on, he began to approach us. He'd let us both pet him. He'd lick us. He'd let us pick him up. He'd wiggle and get excited when he'd hear us coming out of the house. Now there were three very happy dogs at the gate.
As if to prove it, he even licked Alayne this morning when we were taking these photos:
We realize Bugsy may have a setback or two ahead, but he has come a very long way in a month.
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Thank you for your votes!
Your stories always warm my heart! Both my daughter and I cried over the newsletter today, sad to hear of Avery's untimely death. But, ultimately, his life ended in love! Thank you for sharing Bugsy's story, too! We will continue to cheer him on in the coming months!
Love you guys w/ a passion! Thanks for all you do for animals...
Posted by: Susan Winter | May 03, 2012 at 08:59 PM
This is quite a story: heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time; it made me weep. I just don't understand animal abuse at all, and I am so grateful to RDF for helping this little guy learn to trust again. I just can't express my gratitude enough to Steve and Alayne for all the good they have done and continue to do for these incredible animals that have so much love and joy to offer. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Posted by: Lisa Brown | May 01, 2012 at 10:36 PM
I have been away for awhile, health reasons, but to see Bugsy story was awesome. I remember when he was found like that. I have a dog who went through the fear aggression after being abused for 8 years. I have now had him for 6 years & although at first I was not sure we would survive, he is still with me. He is getting very old & I am not sure how much longer he will be with me but he has become one of my favorites of the 8 dogs because he went through so much and has overcome so much. Yes, there may be a few set backs, we have them every now and then but he is still the love of my life & I am so grateful that I hung in there with him because he stole my heart. Sounds like Bugsy has stolen yours and ours! YAY!!!!
Posted by: Cindy | April 30, 2012 at 11:33 AM
So impressed that the first thing you saw was Bugsy's body language and knew how terrified he was. Bless Bugsy and both of you for your patience and love.
Posted by: Mircat | April 25, 2012 at 11:49 AM
You are absolutely amazing... as is Bugsy. I cannot imagine how a dog gets over that kind of fear.
Incredible.
Posted by: Kenna | April 25, 2012 at 10:20 AM
Bless you both for your patience and wisdom in knowing what these poor injured souls need to recover.
Posted by: Sarah P. | April 25, 2012 at 12:09 AM
what a heartwarming story. Your patients,love and goodness prevailed over trauma. You both are amazing...great job
Posted by: Patty | April 25, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Wow....what a testament to the power of love and patience!
Bugsy, you will never have anything to fear because you are loved and cared for by two angels here on earth at RDF.
Steve and Alayne, thanks sooo much for not giving up on him. Your dedication and compassion is second to none!
Posted by: Nina | April 24, 2012 at 08:38 PM
I'm sure he was scared and out of place and didn't understand what bad might come next....and so many people would not work thru that with him. Thank you for being so patient with Bugsy. Thank you for understanding him and giving him a chance at a happy
life....
Posted by: Lisa | April 24, 2012 at 08:01 PM
Awesome, wonderful news about Bugsy getting his breakthrough. As you say, there may be setbacks, but he's come to the best place to find a loving home.
Posted by: Ashley | April 24, 2012 at 06:45 PM
Sitting here with tears in my eyes from Bugsy's story. I've alway believed that angels are here on the earth, and this story makes that belief stronger. Each of you at RDF ARE angels on earth... Please keep us posted on Bugsy's progress!
Posted by: Eric Connine | April 24, 2012 at 06:20 PM
thank you for all you do at RDR. i will not be looking at the small picture because i can imagine how awful it is. But i am so thankful that Bugsy has people who love instead of punish and who honestly seek to get to know the dog and its personal issues stemming from its hard life. My eyes welled with tears as i read and was so happy to see him kissing your lovely wife. what huge steps for such a little fellow who had been so harshly wounded in the past.
Posted by: janel | April 24, 2012 at 06:00 PM
I agree with what the others have been saying, it's a marvelous thing that you two can and do accomplish with animals, such as Bugsy. So many places would have just killed him. You gave him time, and love as well as respect. I think he'd never rec'd any respect before, much less the love time you allowed him to warm up to you. Thank you a million times over for all that you do.
Unfortunately, I looked at the little photo before I got to the part that it was very traumatic. I just cannot imagine why anyone whold do that to any animal. Bugsy has come a very long way.
Welcome to where you are loved, respected and cared for Bugsy. About time, eh?
Hugs all around,
ginger & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | April 24, 2012 at 12:12 PM
I'm glad I have not looked at the small picture and just give so many thanks to RDF for their mission of truly saving the unwanted. Yes, I agree with Lisa without finanical support this could not be possible. Every donated $ matters at RDF. THANK YOU Steve and Alayne for your dedication and to the other rescue groups who got Bugsy to RDF!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | April 23, 2012 at 09:53 PM
I was heartsick when I saw that picture.God Bless you both for all you do, for the love and patience you have for these precious creatures that make us whole. I am so glad Bugsy that you have finally come home.
Posted by: Mae - Jefferson City | April 23, 2012 at 09:09 PM
What a sweet face he has. What a heartbreaking situation for you. I'm glad you were able to wait him out. It does sound as if he had gone through one too many changes, and maybe there was a smell or a sound that spooked him. So glad he has decided to trust you. Now the rest of his life will be wonderful.
Posted by: Tonya Allen | April 23, 2012 at 08:19 PM
What is it the Bible says -- "Love never fails!" That is such an awesome story, you guys! Persistence and love pay off. Can't wait for more updates.
Posted by: Leila K. - Western Wash. | April 23, 2012 at 07:37 PM
Poor little guy. I'm so sorry that Bugsy had to suffer such pain and trauma. But, I am so glad that he ended up at Rolling Dog Farm where people understand that trauma isn't only physical. Thank you all for your patience and love in helping a dog who was so severely traumatized. And thank you for taking the time to write such a long blog post to tell us Bugsy's story. I'm so glad it had a happy ending. Bless you all.
Posted by: Peggy | April 23, 2012 at 05:54 PM
Your post made me cry. All I could think of was how many people would have simply had him killed. You two are such a blessing. Thank you so much for your patience and love.
When we adopted a rescue in June 2009 he was a snarling mess. A mini schnauzer rescued at the age of 8 from a puppy mill, he would bite anyone who tried to pick him up. When rescued, he weighed 8 pounds, had a mouth full of rotten teeth and worms so bad they were crawling out of his rectum. His foster mom got him back up to a healthy 17 pounds and had most of his teeth removed. She warned me that he didn't like to be picked up. So naturally I picked him up each day.
I carried him over to the window to look out and talked quietly to him... and waited. Like you, I realized patience was what was needed.
Over two years later I can scoop him up anytime, anywhere. He follows me everywhere—even into the bathroom if I let him. (This is fortunate since he has hindquarter weakness and falls quite a bit. I wind up carrying him outside often.)
The other day I had him resting on my chest as I leaned back in my office chair. He raised his head and looked right into my eyes, then tucked his little head under my chin.
Yeah, I cried.
Impatient people deprive themselves of some of the most precious treasures this universe has to offer.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | April 23, 2012 at 04:54 PM
******GOLD STARS***** to you guys....such a very sad AND happy story both....oh my goodness...what a life this dear boy has had.....welcome dear soul to your new *excellent* life!!
Posted by: Valerie Hildebrand | April 23, 2012 at 04:18 PM
FOLKS! This is but one good reason to financially help support Rolling Dog Farm.
Oh my gosh, I'm sitting here reading this with tears streaming down my face. That little picture of him was shocking and absolutely heart wrenching. Oh dear, to think what he has endured.
I'm so glad Dr Lisa Nelson gave you the advice she did and that there are positive results with Bugsy.
And God bless you guys for being so patient with this hard case. I so hope that RDF will be a "forever" home for this guy. I think he needs it, don't you?
Thanks again you guys for ALL you do! I hope you are deeply satisfied knowing you give these last chances to so many dogs from near and far. I applaud you and thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Posted by: Lisa K. - San Diego | April 23, 2012 at 03:48 PM
thank you again for your patience and care.
Posted by: joanna taylor | April 23, 2012 at 02:53 PM
God bless you for taking in this poor sweet one, injured physically and emotionally! Doesn't it feel WONDERFUL to see them come around? Someone abandoned a cat in a carrier in my front yard a couple of months ago, he was in absolute terror for a month, but he is now one happy cat! I knew it would happen but he sure didn't.
This story will make me happy all day.
Thank you!!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy Kelly | April 23, 2012 at 02:34 PM
Bugsy's situation. Thank you for your understanding, being willing to pursue help for him,for having confidence in him, including other dogs in his behalf,and having extreme patience with him. Wow! How wonderful you two are. Your kindness to these super-scared dogs is so heartwarming. Good luck in your continued work with him.
Posted by: Phyllis Snow | April 23, 2012 at 02:23 PM
I couldn't bring myself to look at the tiny photo. The story of how Bugsy was initially "found" was enough, and it makes me wonder if somebody wasn't trying to rescue him from worse. How else would he have ended up in someone's yard? So lucky that he had so many other dogs around to act as "witnesses" and "advocates" for all of you. They gave him the added information he needed - canine letters of reference! Thank you for all you are doing - for us as well as for them!
Posted by: Christopher Davis | April 23, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Your compassion and patience are boundless. Few people would have worked so tirelessly with him. But then, you guys aren't really people--you're angels!
Posted by: Debbie Burke | April 23, 2012 at 12:30 PM
I still have goosebumps from reading about Bugsy! What horrific treatment for a helpless little creature! I am so grateful for you and Alayne for making such a difference for all of these animals. You also make a difference to all of us when you share your experiences with the animals with us. Bless you for your commitment and your love and your talents!!!
Posted by: Deb Bartholomew | April 23, 2012 at 12:10 PM
I am SO happy Bugsy was with you and Alayne when he reached "his breaking point". So many rescues wouldn't have had the time/resources for him, and many shelters would've euthanized immediately. Thank you for all that you do!
Posted by: Barb | April 23, 2012 at 11:33 AM
God bless you for your persistence and patience. Bugsy is a lucky guy to have ended up at RDF. I applaud you all.
Posted by: Evelyn | April 23, 2012 at 11:15 AM
Totally in tears, and so appreciative of your priceless kindness and wisdom working with Bugsy. I just couldn't open the photo, yet, but suspect I will in time, owing it to him after all he's suffered.
I agree with someone's note that indeed, love conquers all. You are amazing. Thank you all so much- M
Posted by: Margaret | April 23, 2012 at 11:03 AM
Other than hurt feelings, I am greatly relieved that none of the minions of RDF were hurt. Thank you once again for your great patience and understanding with Bugsby. It must be a very confusing world for the little guy and may his former owner rot in Hell for the damage he did to the young man.
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | April 23, 2012 at 10:52 AM
Poor guy. Man, you guys are awesome. I'm so glad he is there with you now. THANK YOU!
Posted by: Dawn | April 23, 2012 at 10:50 AM
WELCOME HOME BUGSY WELCOME HOME
PS - you made it to some wonderful people who will love and take great care of you.
Posted by: Eric | April 23, 2012 at 10:40 AM
Well I clicked on the photo before I read further..and I will not be getting that horrible picture out of my mind anytime soon!!
I knew Steve/Alayne would give him the chance to recover from his fear and realized he is in a safe and loving environment. God bless you both and the Jacqueline for caring for him. He is “home” now!!!
Posted by: Laura, Levi & Timmy | April 23, 2012 at 10:31 AM
God bless RDF and the wonderful people there who are helping mend this little one's shattered soul.
Posted by: Mary H./Washington state | April 23, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Oh my!!!! I wish we could clone both of you and spread your love around everywhere...
Posted by: Colleen & Wes | April 23, 2012 at 09:58 AM
Bless you for your patience and love for this little dog with scars on his soul. I cannot imagine what he went thru. I pray he realizes soon that whatever happened to him b4 will never be an issue again. Thank you.
Posted by: Anne in FL | April 23, 2012 at 09:49 AM
What a wonderful ending to a horrible story. Yes, I chanced a look at his photo and I can't even conceive, or don't want to, how this horrendous thing happened to him. I am so happy for him now. Thank you for all you do.
Posted by: Roxanne Johnson | April 23, 2012 at 09:43 AM
To be blinded and undergo so many new & different environments must be so frightening but as you have demonstrated, love can conquer all. All Bugsby needs is to know that he is "home" and there will be no more terrifying changes for him. It seems he has realized this and is ready to receive and give love.
Posted by: Kathy Hertzel | April 23, 2012 at 09:28 AM
He's adorable and so glad to know he is with you both now.
Posted by: Barbara Techel | April 23, 2012 at 09:26 AM
So many people would have given up. Thank God you didn't!!!! Welcome home little guy!
Posted by: gayle | April 23, 2012 at 08:50 AM
Wow, what a story. I can not imagine how things must have been for this poor creature to have such fear. If Bugsy had ended up at many other places I don't think they would have taken the time with him. You guys always amaze us.
Posted by: Betsy | April 23, 2012 at 08:39 AM
I hesitantly looked at the photo - it makes you wonder what's wrong with some people that they don't think animals have feelings. It makes me not only angry but I feel pity for all that they are missing out on. That poor boy has been through so much. It's a wonder that he's come even that far in a month. Thank you for your patience and understanding with him. I can imagine the wonderful feeling you have knowing it's all paying off by seeing the change in him. He's got a wonderful life ahead of him and he's beginning to understand that. I can't wait for more updates.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | April 23, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Having seen the miracle of this type of transformation numerous times it still makes me cry with happiness and wonder at the resilient heart of dogs. Bugsy was clearly the victim of some heinous abuse but he knows there is an abundance of love where he is and as his confidence progresses he'll be just fine.
Posted by: Morgan | April 23, 2012 at 08:34 AM
What a challenge that was/is. Thank you so much for your patience and care of this sweet guy. Bugsy is very fortunate to have you all to give him a good life. A very interesting lesson for those of us who work in dog rescue.
Posted by: Dee in KY | April 23, 2012 at 07:34 AM
sometimes, a bit of time and space is all somebody needs - it's free and yet the most precious commodity in the world, thank you for sharing it with Bugsy.
I do hope that every story like this will have somebody stop for a moment and think, before giving up on anybody else, human, canine or other...
Posted by: Jessica, NL | April 23, 2012 at 07:15 AM
Bugsy's horrific story of abuse has brought tears of deep sadness to my eyes. But reading about how he was rescued by LCAR, then lovingly fostered by Jacqueline and finally reached RDF, where he was given the time and space to gradually adjust to his new and forever home, sadness turned to joy.
Thank you SO much for all you're doing for Bugsy!
Please give him a big hug for me.
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | April 23, 2012 at 04:01 AM
This story just warms my heart. The love, patience and care that you have shown Bugsy certainly rubbed off on him and now he seems to be returning it back to you as he's starting to realize that there will never be any bad experiences again, only positive. He is a gorgeous boy...he looks like he has some Shar Pei in him with those cute face wrinkles.
I also clicked on the small picture and I just can't fathom how some evil person could do that do an innocent dog. Thank God for the people who rescued him and took such wonderful care of him before he was lucky enough to end up at RDF.
Posted by: Ann | April 23, 2012 at 02:24 AM
Bugsy must have been soooo scared. He didn't know it but he had arrived at the best place he could possibly be.
You and Alayne are angels. Your love and patience is truly healing.
Posted by: Gena | April 22, 2012 at 11:57 PM
Thank you for your patience in giving Bugsy a chance. He has been through so much and I hope that he will continue to find peace and happiness at RDF. That really is a huge transformation in such a short time.
Posted by: Chloe | April 22, 2012 at 11:02 PM