Stereotypes can often mislead us, and dogs, like humans, are not spared from these misconceptions. Some breeds, such as Rottweilers, are frequently viewed through a lens of fear and misunderstanding, even by professionals who work with them daily.
Anubis, a Rottweiler, is a dog whose experience defies these unfair stereotypes. Initially labeled as a “scary devil dog” by a shelter volunteer who could not see beyond his appearance, Anubis ultimately proved to be a loving and gentle companion.
What Anubis needed was a little patience, understanding, and an opportunity to be acknowledged for his true nature. Thankfully, he encountered individuals who were ready to advocate for him.
At two years old, Anubis arrived at Miami-Dade Animal Services, where he was instantly deemed aggressive and dangerous.
His defensive behavior was understandable, given that he had been surviving on the streets alone for an unknown length of time.
Having fended for himself, Anubis had become wary of humans who had neglected him without providing basic necessities like food or shelter.
The shelter staff quickly decided that he was unsafe, confining him to the back of the facility. This isolation, combined with a heartworm diagnosis, only heightened his anxiety and put his life at risk.
With his time running out, Humans And Animals United (HAAU), a nonprofit rescue in Florida, heard about Anubis just a day before he was set to be euthanized and decided to intervene.
“Some staff at the shelter were scared of him, and Anubis wasn’t trusting anyone,” Rosa Fond, the founder of HAAU, explained to The Dodo.
The team at HAAU saw beyond his tough demeanor, believing that a kind and loving dog was waiting to emerge.
To help him transition to a foster family, Anubis first needed to relax, learn to trust again, and work with a trainer. This transformation required much patience and consistency, but it began the moment he received attention and care.
“It took a lot of time and understanding, and I mean a lot! But we gave him the chance that he needed,” Fond stated.
Once removed from the shelter environment, Anubis’s true loving nature blossomed. The dog, once thought to be aggressive, turned into a joyful and affectionate companion.
“When he left the shelter, he realized he was safe. He had a huge smile and happy eyes,” Fond shared.
In his foster home, Anubis made an unexpected friend. He developed a unique bond with a small bearded dragon lizard, who soon became his closest ally and “little brother.”
“Anubis has to ask the bearded dragon for permission to enter a room or take a toy, as funny and hard as it is to believe,” Fond recounted.
The pair’s relationship is a testament to their mutual trust and affection.
Now, Anubis is thriving in his foster home, surrounded by his human family and his reptilian friend. His story highlights the profound impact that compassion and a second chance can have.
Anubis simply needed one opportunity.
“The ‘aggressive’ Rottweiler is now safe and loved. The family that he’s with now has gone above and beyond to love him and guarantee him the best future,” Fond proudly noted.
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