This traumatised abandoned pup suffered from a 'vicious cycle of stress'

Bugs, a five-year-old mixed breed dog, came to the ASPCAvery stressed, unable to cope with a transition from home life to the shelter one. As the charity took charge of the pup’s wellbeing, they used the ‘real life rooms’ and foster care to help him overcome his struggles. Thanks to their innovative approach, the pup is now happy in a new loving home.

‘A vicious cycle of stress’

Bugs was adopted from the ASPCA when he was still a puppy and had a good life until he was dumped back at the charity’s shelter. The transition from the peaceful home environment to the stressful kennel life was ‘incredibly jarring’ for Bugs.

Rachel Maso, Director of Animal Behavior at the ASPCA Adoption Centre, said:

He was fearful and displayed defensive aggression, and barked, drooled and panted excessively. The shelter was just an overwhelming place for him.

Bugs’ stress affected his physical health, inducing skin allergies and abrasions. He was stuck in the kennels, unable to go on walks due to the inflammation on his paw pads. The poor pooch required medicated baths and foot soaks.

Rachel added:

It was a vicious cycle of stress. Still, he had a good prognosis—we just needed to get him out of the shelter.

Almost like home

Rachel and her team applied an innovative approach to caring for Bugs. They made him spend time in a ‘real-life room’, a home-like space designed specifically for dogs with medical and/or behavioural challenges.

The ASPCA in New York and their long-standing partner NYPD who made the 'real life room' initiative possible, understand that many of the traumatised pups escape cruelty and neglect, and they benefit from a safe environment resembling a home.

The ‘real life rooms’ made the desired effect on Bugs. They became the only place the pup could relax and decompress from the stress of kennel life.

He started to transform little by little, revealing ‘a real dog’, relaxed and playful. He was now ready for a foster home.

Foster care success

Rachel’s mother, Viviane, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and canine behaviour consultant, became Bugs' foster mama.

She believes the real-life rooms helped the pooch transition quickly to her home as he got along well with her two dogs and settled in no time.

Viviane housetrained Bugs, and his irritated skin condition transformed into a healthy, shiny coat. She also weaned him off his anxiety medication.

The foster mama said:

He’s a good boy with a huge personality. He’s handsome, charming and has a very engaging presence. An accomplished counter surfer, he also ate many half loaves of bread.

A loving home at last

Viviane didn’t just heal Bugs wounds, she also served as his adoption ambassador, looking for potential adopters in a bid to avoid sending him back to the shelter.

Peter, who works from home three days a week and volunteers at a local animal rescue, reached out to Vivian in search of a dog to adopt.

Viviane arranged a meeting with Bugs, and as soon as the pup put his head on Peter’s foot, it was a done deal. Bugs and he had an instant connection.

After a few meet-and-greets, Peter offered Bugs a forever home. He said:

None of the issues Bugs once had are present in the dog I met. I’m happy to have him in my life.

Read more:

⋙ 'Dumped like a piece of rubbish': rescue’s horror after dog 'hours-from-death' found abandoned in a park

⋙ This dog was kidnapped, abandoned and lived like a stray, five years later it's back with its owners (VIDEO)

⋙ These bonded inseparable dogs were abandoned and are now looking for a new home