Dog Pulled From Neglect By Georgia Rescuers Shows Just How Hard It Is To Trust Again

For nearly 12 long years, Lenore lived without ever knowing what it felt like to belong. She never had a cozy bed, a quiet room, or a family to call her own.

Her world was an outdoor pen, shared with other dogs, where she survived on the basics and little else. Love, comfort, and safety were things she’d only gone without.

Then, one day, a rescue team intervened during a shelter shutdown and pulled her to safety, finally offering her a chance at something better.

But the transition hasn’t been easy. Sarah Jones, a volunteer with Labrador Friends of the South, explained in an interview:

“She’s having a really hard time.”

When Lenore first arrived, she was completely shut down. Fear consumed her, and she refused to lift her head or interact with anyone. 

The only place she felt safe was in hiding, curled up in corners, trying to disappear from the world.

The rescue team posted on Facebook:

“She hasn’t moved from this position. She desperately wants to get away. She’s absolutely terrified.”

During her initial veterinary exam, Lenore’s anxiety was evident. Surrounded by strangers and unfamiliar sounds, she tried to burrow into a corner to escape. 

Staff tried soothing her with gentle pets and calm words, but while she softened briefly, she quickly withdrew, retreating back into silence.

Her life before the rescue had been far from easy. Living outdoors among neglected, unsocialized dogs, she had only enough to get by, never enough to thrive. 

The vet’s exam revealed infections in both ears, damaged teeth, and skin so rough and inflamed it felt like “elephant skin,” as Sarah described:

“I can’t imagine how uncomfortable she must have been.”

A calming medicated bath brought a fleeting moment of relief, but the fear lingered.

Recognizing the depth of her anxiety, Labrador Friends of the South reached out to their community, searching for a foster home with someone patient yet strong enough to guide her recovery:

“She needs a special person. Someone very patient, who can be gentle but strong.”

Soon, a compassionate foster mom answered the call. She prepared a cozy crate filled with blankets and played soothing classical piano music to help Lenore relax. 

At first, Lenore flinched at any touch and didn’t wag her tail. Two days in, she still buried herself in blankets, too scared to leave her crate, but she took a small step forward by eating some cheese.

A week later, another milestone arrived: Lenore stepped out of her crate to take a piece of cheese directly from her foster mom’s hand. Slowly, home-cooked meals and treats won her trust. 

Even on shy days, she eagerly enjoyed sweet potatoes, peanut butter oatmeal, and strawberry smoothies, all served with love.

Her foster mom shared:

“Now, she sleeps with her head facing outwards and doesn’t try to hide when I enter the room. She wags her tail so hard when I say her name and bring in her meals.”

After more than ten years outdoors, unsure if life had more to offer, Lenore is finally discovering the joy of trust, love, and gentle affection. One soft touch, one tasty snack at a time, she’s learning that humans can be kind.

Lenore’s journey is just beginning. If her story touches your heart, you can apply to adopt her through Labrador Friends of the South. 

With the right family by her side, this sweet senior dog is ready to blossom and spend her golden years surrounded by warmth, love, and comfort.