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Featured Dogs
Extremely shy semi-feral dogs need very special caregivers

Being a no-kill rescue group is sometimes very difficult. Especially when we commit to animals that aren't perfect, aren't outgoing, perhaps they are severely damaged, both physically and psychologically.

You can help by considering adopting a "less-than-perfect" pet, perhaps even become a forever sanctuary caregiver of an animal who has no other options.

Currently, we have several dogs (all under 1 year old) who need to go to a home where they can learn to trust people. They are extremely fearful and lack confidence. However, they do eventually settle in to routine home life, and they do show affection. But, in all likelihood, these dogs will never be bouncy, friendly dogs, willing to approach strangers or who revel being out in public. We do believe, however, that they deserve to live. That wasn't an option for any of them in the shelter.

Note: All of these wonderful dogs have their adoption fees reduced (Oksana) or even waived (Roscoe, Ty, Taffy), provided we can find just the right home.

Shy Taffy Meet Taffy: Taffy is around 1 year old now. She was absolutely petrified of people when brought to a shelter. That shelter environment made things even worse — noisy, lots of scared/agitated dogs barking, people coming and going constantly, being manhandled by staff. Much longer, and Taffy might have decided to lash out and bite someone. But she didn't. She just cowered in the rear of her kennel, hoping upon all hopes that the scary people would just go away and leave her along. But then she joined Buffalo Humane where she went into foster care. It has been a very long road, but Taffy is actually acting much like a regular dog in her foster home. Yes, there are times when she nervously avoids people (any people), even those she has worked hard to trust. But with a predictable routine and patient caregiving, she's really turning into a great dog. Read more about Taffy.

Shy Ty Meet Ty: Ty is Taffy's brother. Where Taffy showed a bit of courage and some spunk when she arrived to Buffalo Humane, Ty was completely shut down psychologically. All he could do is cower in the back of his crate. He would completely stiffen if anyone came near him. Immediately, he would look for some outlet to which he could flee — fright and flight was all he knew. Even now, 6 months after living in foster care, he shows a nervousness that seems to be basic to his temperament. But even so, he has learned to live among the humans in the household, and he adores the other dogs. He sometimes annoys the cats, but he's never tried to hurt them; a gentle reminder from his foster mom keeps his cat-bothering in check. Ty will always be something of a "basket case" in terms of his nerves. But he can relax and enjoy life in the household with other dogs. He is truly a sanctuary case, and just needs to have a place to live, someone to feed him, and a way to go outdoors into a safely fenced area. He may settle in after a couple years; maybe he'll always be very nervous. Only time will tell. Read more about Ty.

To understand the love, joy, and sense of accomplishment of working with a shy dog, read the account of Amber and shy/fearful dog Mayzie.

If you would like to discuss joining our Doggie Sanctuary Caregivers network, please contact us at info@BuffaloHumane.org. Without special people like you to reach out to these special-needs animals, our no-kill work would not be possible.

Buffalo Humane Helping one animal at a time