The small dog, tied to a fallen crate in the park, caught Tiffany Maki’s eye as she was leaving with her dogs. The dog, later named Explorer, was barking and growling at every passing moment. It appeared that he had been abandoned during the brief 30 minutes Maki and her dogs had spent playing in the park.
Maki recalled, “He was barking and growling at everything, but his eyes were wide open. He seemed absolutely terrified.”
Equipped with her experience in animal rescue, Maki discerned that Explorer was displaying more fear than aggression. It was evident that he had no intention of causing harm; he was simply unable to understand the unexpected change in circumstances.
“As I approached him, he would bark and lunge at me, signaling his desire for me to maintain a distance,” Maki elaborated. “I realized that most people would probably refrain from attempting to catch him due to the fear of being bitten.”
Upon returning, Maki found that the dog was incredibly affectionate and exceptionally well-behaved.
He had been trained to use a crate and go potty, as well as to sit, shake, lie down, roll over, beg, and heel. It was evident that someone had cared for him in the past.
Maki was resolute in her mission to secure a caring home for Explorer. She contacted her rescue connections and managed to secure a spot for him at Schnauzer Rescue of Texas. After caring for him overnight, she took him to the veterinarian the following day. The once fearful dog from the park had swiftly blossomed into a loving companion, catching the eye of a potential adopter in no time.
Explorer is currently flourishing, enjoying his optimal existence, solely due to Maki’s ability to perceive beyond his initial rugged facade and acknowledge the genuine affectionate nature of this canine companion.
