And then there was Rosa. When Rosa first entered the safety of the shelter, her extreme fear caused her to completely shut down. She pushed herself into the wall trying to disappear, and her body language told shelter staff she was extremely distrustful of humans.
After surviving a meat farm, being transported thousands of miles, and introduced to a completely new and strange environment, Rosa had the extra stress of being pregnant. Humane Society of Tampa Bay released a press update saying,
They announced Rosaโs pregnancy on January 30, and the next day, Rosa gave birth to six healthy puppies. Five males and one female were welcomed into a world where they will live free from confinement and slaughter.
Their mother, however, was not free from the memories of her former life. Rosaโs post-traumatic stress continued after her puppies were born, and it was soon obvious the shelter environment was not helping. A Humane Society representative told FOX13,
Life in foster care seemed to suit Rosa, and more than two months from the day she was rescued, Humane Society of Tampa Bay made an exciting announcement. They posted on Facebook saying,
“THIS IS HUGE! For the first time since coming to us on January 22, Rosa accepted pets from volunteer Lori Smart. Lori has been coming in faithfully every day to sit with Rosa to help her learn to trust. Itโs working.”
Rosa is improving every day, and slowly, sheโs putting the tragedy that was her former life behind her.
Sheโs a loving mother and has started to bond with her foster family, all thanks to her rescuers and the volunteers at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Consider donating to their cause to help Rosa and every dog like her.