A Great Pyrenees and Anatolian Shepherd mix named Michael found himself in an animal shelter in Palmdale, California. Because he was confused, scared, and acting out, he was not made available to the general public and was dubbed “rescue only.” Fortunately, Rita Earl Blackwell, a Los Angeles photographer who gives professional photoshoots to shelter animals to help them get placed, heard about him.
One day, Blackwell received a call informing her that Michael’s time at the shelter was likely running. He needed to find a rescue to take him in and help him transition into a new home. She immediately visited the dog to see what she could do.
Blackwell said that Michael was cowering and trembling in his kennel during their first encounter. He was terrified of everything. He needed someone with experience to foster and train him. So through her contacts, she connected Michael with Delaney’s Dogs, a Los Angeles-based rescue, and her friend Louise Crane who is an experienced fosterer.
Crane said that something about Michael made her want to take him in immediately. At first sight, she felt that he was special. His first few weeks at Crane’s home were rough. It took the dog 45 minutes to enter the house. He also exhibited fear of being restrained, so it was not easy training him to wear a collar and leash. Crane suspected that Michael was kept chained for most of his life before he was found and rescued.
Thankfully, with Crane’s endless patience and Delaney’s Dog’s support, Michael eventually warmed up to people. After overcoming his fear of the vet and getting groomed, he seemed to have transformed into a completely different dog. He now enjoys going for walks and hiking.
Michael found his forever family soon after his transformation. Crane said that the dog’s story is proof that patience and kindness go a long way.
Credit: Rita Earl Blackwell via Facebook
