Streethearts Project is a dedicated organization helping homeless dogs in the Houston, Texas area. In January, Izzy and her family were spotted scavenging the area, doing their best to survive. Izzy had been born a stray and only knew life on the streets.
Both Izzy and her sister roamed the streets with their mother, until her sister got her head stuck in a jar. The dog was frantic and for four long days rescuers struggled to save her. Neighbors and rescuers helped, which soon brought attention to the entire family. Now the mother of the two dogs had just delivered another litter of puppies under a nearby trailer. Fortunately, the puppies were able to be rescued along with their mom.
The mother dog, the female pup rescued and referred to as “jar head” along with the litter were all placed with reputable rescue organizations.
It was then that Streethearts Project offered to foster Izzy.
On January 20, Izzy’s story began. In order to capture her, she had to be darted with a sedative, and even though she fought the tiredness overwhelming her flight instincts, she finally fell asleep. She was under Kristin Erwin’s care. Nine days later, she did her best to hide under her bed.
Izzy has been with us for a little over a week. We’ve caught, trapped and even tranquilized numerous scared dogs in order to get them to safety, but izzy just might be our most frightened foster dog yet.
Kristin knew that Izzy had never been socialized and was given her own time frame to adjust. When she arrived she was covered in fleas and full of parasites; those issues were tackled first. She was then given the time – her time to decompress in her own safe space and could venture out when she felt ready. Sadly Izzy had no interest in venturing out. The smallest goal; – to get her to accept treats tossed her way and show interest in other dogs. Confident dogs can give timid ones like Izzy a little self assurance. The German shepherd Kristin fostered helped to break the ice.
Everyday is a challenge for Izzy. Kristin and her husband continue to toss her treats. Her food bowl has been moved a bit farther out, and although very tentative, Izzy wagged her tail and seemed interested in life beyond her own scared world.
while it’s torture for me to not be able to love on her, I’m happy to watch her confidence grow little by little…
When the other dogs are not in their kennels, Izzy will actually tiptoe over to their kennels and steal their toys.
On day 45, Izzy still doesn’t want to be petted, but she’s warming up.
More to come.
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