Shelter Does Something Special for 'Depressed' Dog Struggling in Kennel

A recently surrendered dog who was struggling to adjust to life in the shelter has been transformed, thanks to the kind efforts of staff.

A little TLC can go a long way for a dog living in one of the many thousands of shelters scattered across the U.S. A 2018 study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science found that just 15 minutes of one-on-one petting was enough to boost the emotional well-being of a shelter dog.

The staff at the Louisiana SPCA don't need a study to tell them this though. They've seen it time and time again in the work they do with dogs like Grady.

"Grady was surrendered because his owners could no longer care for him," Britlyn Pham, shelter communications specialist, told Newsweek.

The staff had been warned by Grady's former owner upon surrender that the pet pooch could occasionally be "mean," but workers haven't found that to be the case. "Our staff have encountered nothing but kindness from Grady since he arrived at the shelter," Pham said.

But while Grady quickly made a positive impression on staff at the shelter, the day-to-day grind of life there took an immediate toll. "Initially, Grady wasn't settling in well and seemed to be feeling depressed," Pham said.

Grady was not a fan of living in a kennel, having spent much of his life enjoying the freedom that comes with having an owner. Fortunately, the shelter had the perfect way to help him settle in and make the adjustment.

"We allowed him as much time as possible outside the kennel and around our building. Grady has quickly become a favorite among our staff," Pham said.

The change gave Grady the opportunity to hang out with staff while they do their work and even tour the building in a special cart. More than anything though, it gave the shelter pup what he, and countless other dogs like him, crave: attention.

"Grady loves human attention and affection the most," Pham said. "Simply being in your presence is enough to bring him joy."

It's been four weeks since Grady arrived at the shelter and Pham said things are gradually progressing. "Slowly, he is showing interest in certain toys and remains gentle as a lamb even when taking treats."

Grady is still adjusting though, as staffers work to ascertain which kind of home would suit him best. Pham, however, would encourage anyone keen on meeting him to come down and meet him in person.

"Honestly, Grady would thrive best with someone who gives him the space and time to comfortably blossom into their forever home," she said. "He's still available for adoption and any family would be lucky to have him."

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