Eleanor, a Golden Retriever rescued from a puppy mill, found solace and comfort in a small toy after being kept in a cage her entire life. Her foster mom, Jill, took her in and provided her with a safe space to heal. Initially, Eleanor was terrified and shut down, choosing to stay in the smallest room of the house, a spare bathroom. The breeder had artificially inseminated Eleanor, and she had given birth to numerous puppies that were taken away from her.
The traumatized dog was too afraid to move on her own, so Jill had to physically carry her everywhere. One day, Jill introduced a toy to Eleanor, and the dog immediately took an interest in it. Eleanor treated the toy as if it were one of her puppies, finding comfort in its presence.
Eleanor’s attachment to the toy was evident when she would become visibly upset if it were not with her. The toy went everywhere with her, providing her with a sense of security and companionship. Over time, Eleanor began to show signs of improvement and happiness. One morning, she ran out to the family room, excited and wagging her tail.
Eleanor’s transformation has been remarkable, going from a scared and shut-down dog to one that is full of joy and life. She now enjoys running around in the yard and following Jill everywhere. Jill feels incredibly lucky to have been able to help Eleanor heal and find happiness in her new life.
Toledo, United States.