Rescuer calls him the most shutdown dog ever – but just wait until you see his transformation!
A Terrifying Discovery
Stewart’s story begins in the depths of rural Georgia, where a chilling scene unfolded in the woods. Chained to a tree with a thick leather belt tightly secured around his neck, Stewart was a shadow of his former self. When animal control officers arrived, they found a terrified and emaciated dog who had endured unimaginable suffering. Stewart was promptly brought to the Whitfield County Animal Shelter, where his plight caught the attention of a compassionate volunteer.
A Terrifying Discovery
Rebecca Rood, a photographer and shelter volunteer, captured a haunting image of Stewart cowering in his kennel. The photograph revealed a dog so overwhelmed by fear that he couldn’t even bear to look at the humans outside his cage. Huddled at the back of his enclosure, Stewart pressed his head against the wall, refusing to eat or interact. When rescuers attempted to remove the belt from his neck, Stewart growled defensively. “He didn’t want to be bothered, didn’t want to be touched,” recalled Courtney Bellew, founder and director of Special Needs Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation (SNARR). “He would growl, and then he would just go hide in the corner, and turn his face against the wall. He was totally terrified and shut down.”
A Terrifying Discovery
A Crucial Intervention
Recognizing the severity of Stewart’s condition and the limited resources of the underfunded county shelter, Rebecca Rood reached out to Courtney Bellew and SNARR for assistance. The heartbreaking photo of Stewart prompted Bellew to take immediate action. Stewart was transferred to a local veterinary clinic where he underwent a full physical examination and was neutered under anesthesia. The removal of the belt from his neck was a symbolic and literal relief. Bellew observed, “It was as if that belt around his neck was the burden of his past. The minute they removed it and he woke up from anesthesia, it was like he opened up. He was playing and wagging his tail.”
Although Stewart showed signs of improvement, he remained apprehensive around most people. It was clear that he needed a more nurturing environment to continue his rehabilitation. The decision was made for Stewart to stay at the clinic until a suitable foster home could be found. Despite his progress, Stewart was still far from fully rehabilitated. He was described by Bellew as “the most shut down dog we have ever come across in seven-and-a-half years of doing rescue.” Nevertheless, Stewart’s journey had begun, and his gradual transformation was a testament to the power of patience and care.
A Crucial Intervention
The Road to Recovery
As the months passed, Stewart’s resilience and determination began to shine through. Under the gentle care of the clinic staff and with the support of SNARR, Stewart slowly but surely started to embrace his new life. He began to trust those around him and, for the first time, experienced the joys of being a dog. The progress was incremental but significant, as Stewart learned to play, wag his tail, and interact with others in a way that had seemed impossible during his initial days of rescue.
Courtney Bellew and her team continued to work tirelessly to help Stewart recover from his traumatic past. They understood that the journey to full rehabilitation was a marathon, not a sprint. The dedicated efforts of the rescue organization and the unwavering support of the veterinary clinic played crucial roles in Stewart’s transformation. His journey was a poignant reminder of the profound impact that compassionate care and a nurturing environment can have on a dog’s recovery from severe trauma.
The Road to Recovery
A Joyful New Beginning
Almost a year after his rescue, Stewart’s story reached a heartwarming conclusion. Rebecca Rood, who had initially advocated for Stewart’s rescue, posted an update that filled the hearts of many. “Some of you may remember Stewart. He was the dog that was completely shut down at a rural animal control. I posted his photo and begged for a rescue to help this poor soul. He literally had a belt as a collar and he wouldn’t lift his head from the corner of the kennel. Courtney Bellew immediately stepped up for him. He spent months learning to be a dog. I got a message tonight that he has been adopted!! 😍”
Rood’s post celebrated Stewart’s adoption as a testament to the dedication of rescuers and the power of love and rehabilitation. She expressed gratitude for Bellew’s commitment, stating, “Another example of why rescuers do what we do. We save the injured, the broken, the hurt, the sick and nurse them back to health (mentally and physically). Thank you so much, Courtney for helping this sweet boy learn what love is!”
Stewart’s journey from a desolate existence to a loving home highlights the incredible potential for recovery and transformation in the world of animal rescue. His story is a powerful reminder of the difference that compassion and dedicated care can make, turning a once-broken spirit into a joyful companion.
