A puppy who was traumatized from living on the streets of Romania spent almost two months overlooked at a UK shelter—until his story went viral. After vetting over 150 applicants, the shelter found the perfect forever home.
Thanks to love and patience, 1-year-old Percy has finally started to settle in. His new owner said he clocked “up to double figures with the tail wags” in his first 24 hours, a far cry from his terrified state weeks prior.
Percy arrived at Oakwood Dog Rescue in Hull at the end of September, 2020.
“Percy will need a very patient and understanding home, living with a more confident friendly female will really help him settle and come out of his shell.”
Percy, too nervous for a foster home, did not cope well in kennels. He sat alone, hiding as best he could, making himself invisible to potential adopters.
Dog trainer Natalie Smith of Quality Canines stepped up to offer free dog training and behavior consultations, hoping it would entice someone to come forward for Percy. “I didn’t even think twice,” she said. “It’s so nice so many people care about dogs the same way I do.”
“This is the difference a home environment makes for these dogs,” the shelter posted, sharing a touching video from Percy’s new home. “Percy … would run away from us in panic, yet here he is on a sofa with his new sister and mum after only a few hours.”
Percy’s new owner, Maggie, from Grimsby, made space in her home and heart for Percy, hoping he would be a good companion for her female dog. Not only did Percy become best friends with his new sister immediately, but he seemed to gain confidence from her example of “how to dog.”
Smith will be working with Maggie and Percy via Zoom to help ensure the once-traumatized pup’s newfound confidence only grows stronger.
