Heartwarming videos of pitiful, stray dog rescues in Los Angeles have made the Hope For Paws rescue team famous worldwide.
Unlike typical “dog catchers,” though, Hagar considers himself a “dog rescuer,” the difference being that his team takes considerable care of the dogs’ emotional as well as physical well-being. Whenever possible, they minimize the stress caused by their fear of humans during a rescue, where catching the dog is the challenge.
It isn’t always easy to make friends and gain the dog’s trust, though, and so other strategies are needed.
Artecona had brought a burger of their own to entice and make friends with the dog—which often works—but after having had a whole burger already, he’d had enough. He’d also decided that the humans were getting too close for comfort, and quickly made off down the busy LA street.
“I just don’t want him to go into the intersection,” said Hagar, knowing that pursuing a dog into the streets can be dangerous.
This time, the dog was too nervous to make friends, and that would have to happen later on, once he had been taken back to their headquarters. After crating him up for the drive, they decided to name him Maxwell.
Maxwell was exhausted from living on the streets. They realized how malnourished he was when they bathed him, and soon, his playful side began to come out. Once dogs realize they are safe forever, their scared behavior changes completely.
