This is the little guy who arrived with Cap. The Arkansas shelter had heard about him at a rescue group in Shreveport and asked if we could take him. You can't tell from the photo, but he was born with a deformed right front leg. We will need to get it evaluated by our veterinarians.
His name is Sunny, and if ever there was a mismatch between a dog's name and his personality, this is it. This poor guy is scared and wants nothing to do with us or the other dogs. He is everything Cap is not.
I had to take the photo of him in the crate because he basically hasn't left it since coming here last Friday. No, really. When we get too close, he growls. We leave the door open, but the only time he's actually come out is to go potty on a nearby towel or bed on the floor. That's it. And he only does that when we aren't around.
He was turned into a shelter with the rest of his litter a year or so ago. His brothers and sisters were all euthanized. The shelter staff felt sorry for him because of his deformity and decided not to euthanize him. That may be the first time we've heard of a disability saving an animal rather than being the reason to put him or her down.
Sunny was described to us as a Chihuahua mix, but he's a lot bigger than any Chihuahua, so we aren't sure what the other part of that mix is. It had to have been a good size dog. I mean, Sunny is still a small guy, but not in that Chihuahua type class of dogs.
Fortunately, he's not at all like Bugsy was when he first came, so we're hoping this process won't take nearly as long. As you know, Bugsy turned completely around and is now a total love-bug. We can only hope Sunny will too.
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2014 Shelter Challenge Underway
The first round of the Shelter Challenge for 2014 is underway and runs until March 30th. You can vote every day here. To search for us, type in our name, Rolling Dog Farm, and Lancaster, NH 03584. We've won thousands of dollars in the previous contests, so your daily votes do bring in serious money for our disabled animals!
Please note that I cannot help with technical or voting problems. I also do not have an "inside track" to anyone at the Shelter Challenge, and I don't know any more about the contest than anyone else does. So if you find yourself having issues, please consult their FAQ page here and their Rules page, which is a pop-up you can find linked on this page.
Thanks for your votes!
I don't even want to think of Sunny's early life to have him feel so scared and want to stay in his crate where he feels safe. I know it will take time, love and patience but he will learn what a great place he has arrived at. Here's hoping he'll soon see what a great new home he has.
Posted by: Betsy | March 08, 2014 at 10:57 PM
He looks to be such a nice snuggleable size! Wait till he finally figures out snuggling is nice.
Posted by: Anne in FL | March 08, 2014 at 10:02 PM
Sunny probably doesn't know what it is liked to be loved. Maybe he never received love and affection in his life. He may only know the harsh side of life. I know if anyone can help him, you can. All the best to you and Sunny. Love and hugs to Sunny.
Posted by: Mary Ann | March 08, 2014 at 09:27 AM
Oh Sunny..... Should I tell you a story about a beautiful blessing named, "Ella?" Your going to be just fine where you are. Steve and Alayne make dreams come true. Your heart will grow, all fears will be tossed to the wind. Your at heaven on earth. Hang in there buddy....
La Ella Bella sends her best wishes....via her humans who worship her.
With much love -
The McRoberts Family
Posted by: Jennifer McRoberts | March 08, 2014 at 09:11 AM
Poor little sweetheart. I'm so happy that he was lucky enough to be sent to you. He couldn't be in a better place! I'm sure he will figure it out and show the wonderful little personality he is. Thank you and Alayne for all that you give to these babes!
Posted by: Gwen Craig | March 08, 2014 at 12:34 AM
Poor Sunny looks like a little Porker. I hate that his siblings, perfectly fine little pups, were put down. It may account for his outlook. Well, he's now in the right place. People should be fined for having unwanted litters. It's just not right!!!
Posted by: Kathleen Rivard | March 07, 2014 at 06:13 PM
If ANYONE can get through to this little tyke, it is the two of you! He is a lucky boy now and eventually he'll know it.
Posted by: Colleen V | March 07, 2014 at 04:17 PM
Oh Sunny,
You are going to have such a wonderful life at RDF.
You will be loved beyond your wildest dreams.
We are looking forward to seeing who you best buds are going to be.
Posted by: Chloe | March 07, 2014 at 12:47 PM
I am in complete agreement with everyone else. Sunny is in the best place he can be and with all your love and caring, I'm sure he'll make a turnaround and we will see a totally different dog soon. He's a cutie pie!
Posted by: Ann | March 07, 2014 at 01:11 AM
Oh poor buddy! And I'm with everyone else, definitely looking forward to seeing his progress in the upcoming weeks. He is a lucky guy to be in such good hands!
Posted by: Kate & Luke | March 06, 2014 at 09:42 PM
You experts have seen this doggie personality before and I am confident that will a little time and love Sunny's personality will match his name....at last. Welcome Home Sunny!
Posted by: boundforglory | March 06, 2014 at 08:36 PM
My shy dog spent the first 4 days of his life with me in his kennel. He was friendly, just petrified. Just this year, after almost 5 yrs, he has begun to greet strangers. You guys have a lot more experience than I do and you will have this guy snuggling in no time.
Posted by: Barb | March 06, 2014 at 06:47 PM
Aw, poor guy. He looks a little pudgy too. He'll perk up eventually, once he realizes he's home and safe. I'll look forward to the "after" photo a month or so from now.
Posted by: Tonya Allen | March 06, 2014 at 05:05 PM
First thing I thought of when I saw the photo is Pug. Could he be mixed with that? Can't even imagine the abuse he's felt that makes him feel a crate is the only safe place to be. I once fostered a cat who climbed up inside the box spring on my bed and I didn't see her again for 3 months! She came out when I was at work and asleep. Then she sat in the bedroom doorway while I was home. It took her a week or more to progress down that hallway and join us. Maybe when he sees all the other dogs being happy and loved he'll loosen up a bit. I'm sure your caring will reach him. Good luck!
Posted by: Miranda Brooks | March 06, 2014 at 11:58 AM
If anyone can bring Sunny around, it is you.
Posted by: Dawn | March 06, 2014 at 10:39 AM
It looks like the shelter folks kept him well fed....some of your special made food will probably bring him round. Being scared of humans ain't easy to overcome. Looking forward to Sunny updates on the boy.
Posted by: Peggy S. | March 06, 2014 at 08:33 AM
Like Eric said, Welcome Home, Sunny. I know he's in the best place he can be. Now he's got a choice to make- to embrace where he is and this second chance he has... come on, Sunny, you can do it!
Posted by: Ashley | March 06, 2014 at 08:24 AM
Wow, this little fellow is going to need a lot of patience and love. At least he's at the right place to get what he needs. Since he has his sight he will be able to see all the love and attention the others get and hopefully that will help to break through his shell. As time goes on and he isn't mistreated and is always warm and his belly full, I think he will begin to come around. He may not be as cute as Cap, but he's still a wonderful little dog. It's hard to tell his size. How much does he weigh, Steve?
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | March 06, 2014 at 08:21 AM
If anyone can turn things around for Sunny, it is you guys!
Posted by: Penny Heinrich | March 05, 2014 at 11:48 PM
A lot of fear..distrust in that face. He'll be better in time. Can't wait to see is progress.
Posted by: Craig from Great Falls | March 05, 2014 at 11:19 PM
Oh Sunny.....my heart breaks for you.....I want you to know JOY, not fear....I hope peace comes to you soon dear boy.
Posted by: KCMarla | March 05, 2014 at 09:32 PM
So true Linda!
You two never cease to amaze us! Your work is beyond inspiring, uplifting and down right hard. Thank goodness you listened to your calling and quit your high paying corporate jobs over a decade ago. You have SAVED hundreds!!!! We love you!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | March 05, 2014 at 09:08 PM
How sad for this little life to be so damaged. Such potential squashed so early. I really hope you, Alayne and the other dogs can gently and fully pull him out of the untrusting and scary place he has grown into. I know he will be a challenge, a different challenge than the puppy he came with But I hope he blossoms in your care.
Posted by: Anne in FL | March 05, 2014 at 08:24 PM
I'm willing to bet by Easter he will be a Ma's boy.... he might just be her new body guard....
Posted by: Gayle | March 05, 2014 at 04:15 PM
If there was EVER a complete bastion of love and safety, powerful enough to heal even the most powerful fears, it most certainly, has to be, at the Rolling Dog Farm.
If this little guy is ever able to trust human, it will be under your patient care. I'm betting he will get some lessons from Bugsy sooner or later.
Posted by: Diane Borden, Chehalis, WA | March 05, 2014 at 04:09 PM
Yes! All my best karma headed your way, that if anywhere can help little Sunny feel like his name, your patience, kindness and expertise CAN.
A virtual, non-threatening hug to you, Sunny!
Posted by: Margaret | March 05, 2014 at 01:46 PM
It is heart-breaking, the abuse some of these little souls endure. I know RDF will give this guy all the time and love he needs to learn trust. God Bless you all!
Posted by: Mary H. | March 05, 2014 at 01:19 PM
Life sure starts out badly for some; but he's got his second miracle now. You are angels for taking him in, especially since you already know what it can take to have a turnaround. My puppy mill dog took over 3 months just to come out of his crate without us pulling him out. Now he's momma's boy! Look forward to hearing about Sunny as you go along.
Posted by: Linda | March 05, 2014 at 12:00 PM
WELCOME HOME SUNNY WELCOME HOME
you are in a safe place now
Posted by: Eric | March 05, 2014 at 10:29 AM