Twinkle Toes (nka Olivia)
TWINKLE TOES UPDATE - April 2021!
As Safe Humane volunteers, there have been more times than we would like to admit when we are in complete disbelief and even horrified by things that some of our Court Case Dogs have had to endure. Sometimes it even pains us to think about it -- and when we do, we cry…. And then we wipe our tears and put their past behind us because there they are looking to us for comfort, wagging their tail and even leaning in for cuddles.
We will never know for sure what Twinkle Toes has gone through. All we know is what the police report tells us and what the dog tells us. In 2019 Twinkle Toes was taken from her owner by the police, and her owner was charged with bestiality. You read that correctly. It was alleged that our girl was raped by her owner. When we first worked with her, she was shy, scared and very wary of men. After some time, she learned to trust us and would even lean into us for comfort when she was nervous. Before we knew it, she was asking for affection, trotting around with confidence and even participating in playgroups!
Our rescue partner, Players for Pits, NFP, found a foster home for her, and she continued her journey to recovery outside of the shelter. While Twinkle Toes was doing amazingly well for what she had been through, she still needed slow introductions to new people and she was still wary of men. Unfortunately, because of that she was returned to the rescue after being adopted.
After a few bumps in her journey, we are happy to report that our girl has finally found the perfect home, complete with two moms and all the patience in the world. Twinkle Toes is now named Olivia and is basically her family’s sidekick. Whatever they do, Olivia is right there beside them. She loves going on walks, hiking, car rides, snuggling by the fireplace and playing ball. And, of course, Olivia insists on sleeping in her parents’ bed at night, horizontal and smack dab in the middle! She can still be shy, but her amazing family has found a routine that works when introducing her to new people. Olivia’s new family is so patient, willing to put in the work and give her the time she needs with any new experience or person.
Adopting or fostering a dog who has experienced trauma isn’t always easy. The amount of time it will take for them to heal from that trauma is unknown and may not happen at all. You have to be willing to make that sacrifice and adjust your life where needed. These families are truly selfless and our heroes!
“I think with anything, time and patience goes a long way. Understanding that there is trauma there that you will never truly understand and that trust is earned are key. Olivia needed to know that we were willing to put in the work, and we weren’t going anywhere.”- Olivia’s Moms