The Speranza Animal Rescue team has picked up many dogs from the streets, cared for them and taught them to find their zest for life again.
When the animal rescue received a call one day that a particularly excitable bulldog was on its way to them, the staff weren’t sure what to expect.
The moment Frank the bulldog walked in the door and the staff saw his grumpy expression, they knew they might be in for a challenge.
Frank, the little gremlin
Frank’s behavior matched his facial expression – he often acted aggressive and unpredictable. As a stray, he was used to fighting for his survival on a daily basis, and he continued to behave like this after he came to the shelter.
Nevertheless, the staff were happy to have taken Frank in to give him the attention and affection he deserved.
„He was found as a stray and was anything but friendly,“
the shelter wrote in a Facebook post.
„His constant RBF (Resting Bitch Face) was accompanied by low growls and grumbles… This little imp is small in stature but has an attitude for days. But we are already so in love.“
When a gremlin wins hearts
Although they were skeptical at first, the staff at the animal shelter quickly took the spirited little fellow to their hearts.
„Some of the volunteers thought: ‚Oh no, another big attitude‘ when they heard that Frank was coming to us,“
janine Guido, representative of the animal shelter, told The Dodo.
„But then they fell head over heels in love with him.“
Using positive reinforcement, the shelter staff patiently taught Frank dog basics, such as how to ask for things without showing aggression and how to walk on a leash.
As the days passed, Frank began to trust his new friends and even have fun with them. It wasn’t long before his frown disappeared and gave way to a sweet smile.
Guido is delighted with Frank’s development so far.
„Frank is making good progress within the rescue service and with the volunteers!“
guido said.
„He no longer greets people with a growl, which is a benefit for us all.“
A Gremlin learns to smile
Soon Frank should move to a foster home where he will continue to learn and train. As soon as Frank is ready, he will be put up for adoption and placed in a forever home.
In the meantime, he can do all his favorite things – like playing with his toys and going for long walks.
Thanks to the patience and determination of the dog lovers who believe in him, this once grumpy boy will live the happy life he deserves.
