Dog Rescued From Sledding Industry Feels Safe 'for the First Time'

Social-media users have been left in tears by the story of a former sledding dog who has been rescued and, for the first time in his entire life, experienced a loving home.

Maliah Wilson, 20, from Canada, has worked with the nonprofit organization Baladi and Sled Dog Rescue of Ontario for some time, and while she has helped foster numerous dogs before, Zen's story has really captured attention and changed her perspective.

Zen arrived at Wilson's home in the early hours of March 25. She told Newsweek that he had spent the first nine years of his life being "neglected, abused, and exploited." The Alaskan husky was made to run multiple times every day during the winter, but he was deemed aggressive, so he couldn't have a partner and had to run by himself all the time.

Things weren't much better for Zen when he wasn't working either. Wilson said he "spent his days chained to a small enclosure," only managing to move a few feet around him in blistering heat.

Sadly, like many sledding dogs, Zen knew no different, until he met Wilson. "When Zen arrived at my house, he was malnourished, weak, and had clear signs of a history of abuse," Wilson said. "This was the first time Zen had ever been inside a house, walking through a doorway, or even having to figure out stairs.

"He was extremely terrified, and with all the talk about his aggressive past, we were both a little unsure about each other," Wilson added. "After sitting with him for an hour, he trusted me enough to let me give him a pet, and it was at this moment all of our worries went away. He felt love, and I felt purpose."

Wilson said how she "woke up to a completely different dog" later that day, and she realized that Zen wasn't anything like the description she had received. His nervousness and stress was misunderstood for aggression, but all he needed was love and nurturing.

"He took some time to gain enough confidence to leave his crate, but with a little encouragement, he came out that same morning," Wilson said. "He instantly started sniffing the room, and then came over and buried his head in my lap looking for some love. For the first time in his life, he felt safe."

Animal Justice Canada Legislative Fund is a not-for-profit organization that is advocating for changes to the laws to protect sledding dogs better. On its website, the fund says that dog sledding is unregulated in most of Canada, and most of the animals are kept in very poor conditions, causing them mental and physical damage.

The organization is calling for a ban on the use of sled dogs in commercial operations, as well as an end to continuous tethering, and for weather protection requirements.

'I Hope I Changed His Life as Much as He Changed Mine'

Zen stayed with Wilson for a matter of weeks during the "decompression period," until the rescue center found a long-term foster. But, in the short time he was with her, he had a huge impact on Wilson's life.

Wilson told Newsweek: "I always knew that I loved animals and wanted to have a career working with them, but Zen showed me how much passion and determination I have to make a difference.

"I couldn't provide Zen with the life I knew he deserved, but I hope I changed his life just as much as he changed mine. Zen will forever be a reminder that this is where I'm supposed to be."

Zen is in a foster-to-adopt home, and after immediately falling in love with the rescued husky, the fosters are hoping to adopt him officially soon. Not only has he gained a forever family, but Wilson also said that Zen has also got "a beautiful husky girlfriend next door," whom he loves playing with through the fence.

While Zen has made huge progress since his rescue in March, his recovery is ongoing, and he still faces many challenges. He gets triggered by loud or unexpected noises, and he is understandably very nervous, but hopefully, with enough love and patience, his confidence will continue to develop.

How Did Social Media React?

On April 3, Wilson shared a TikTok video (@maliahwilsonn) documenting Zen's rescue and showing how terrified he was when he came to her. The clip melted many hearts, and it has already gained more than 725,300 views and over 64,500 likes on TikTok, much to Wilson's astonishment.

She said: "When I posted Zen's story, there wasn't a thought in my mind that it would get as many views and likes as it did. The attention was a shock, but all I want to do now is keep spreading awareness about the greatness of fostering, volunteering, or supporting a rescue.

"I had no idea that this experience would completely change my perspective and ignite a passion in me. Shelters, rescues, nonprofits, and volunteers are struggling to keep afloat with the abundance of animals in need of their forever homes. If you can help in any way, please do," Wilson added.

Since going viral, the TikTok video has gained over 1,900 comments from people who are so grateful and relieved that Zen is now safe. One comment reads: "Thank you for rescuing him. Look at his smile at the end! Just love it."

Another person wrote: "For the first time in his life he could be a pet dog. I am crying. Thank you."

A third TikTok user responded: "Zen is perfect example of deserving a life of love and kindness. He has just as much to give. Love this ending, may Zen show the way for more."

Do you have an amazing rescue story that you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.