Sunny in crate

This is the little guy who arrived with Cap. The Arkansas shelter had heard about him at a rescue group in Shreveport and asked if we could take him. You can't tell from the photo, but he was born with a deformed right front leg. We will need to get it evaluated by our veterinarians.

His name is Sunny, and if ever there was a mismatch between a dog's name and his personality, this is it. This poor guy is scared and wants nothing to do with us or the other dogs. He is everything Cap is not. 

I had to take the photo of him in the crate because he basically hasn't left it since coming here last Friday. No, really. When we get too close, he growls. We leave the door open, but the only time he's actually come out is to go potty on a nearby towel or bed on the floor. That's it. And he only does that when we aren't around.

He was turned into a shelter with the rest of his litter a year or so ago. His brothers and sisters were all euthanized. The shelter staff felt sorry for him because of his deformity and decided not to euthanize him. That may be the first time we've heard of a disability saving an animal rather than being the reason to put him or her down. 

Sunny was described to us as a Chihuahua mix, but he's a lot bigger than any Chihuahua, so we aren't sure what the other part of that mix is. It had to have been a good size dog. I mean, Sunny is still a small guy, but not in that Chihuahua type class of dogs.

Fortunately, he's not at all like Bugsy was when he first came, so we're hoping this process won't take nearly as long. As you know, Bugsy turned completely around and is now a total love-bug. We can only hope Sunny will too.

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29 responses to “Here’s Sunny. Though He’s Not.”

  1. Eric Avatar
    Eric

    WELCOME HOME SUNNY WELCOME HOME
    you are in a safe place now

    Like

  2. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    Life sure starts out badly for some; but he’s got his second miracle now. You are angels for taking him in, especially since you already know what it can take to have a turnaround. My puppy mill dog took over 3 months just to come out of his crate without us pulling him out. Now he’s momma’s boy! Look forward to hearing about Sunny as you go along.

    Like

  3. Mary H. Avatar
    Mary H.

    It is heart-breaking, the abuse some of these little souls endure. I know RDF will give this guy all the time and love he needs to learn trust. God Bless you all!

    Like

  4. Margaret Avatar
    Margaret

    Yes! All my best karma headed your way, that if anywhere can help little Sunny feel like his name, your patience, kindness and expertise CAN.
    A virtual, non-threatening hug to you, Sunny!

    Like

  5. Diane Borden, Chehalis, WA Avatar
    Diane Borden, Chehalis, WA

    If there was EVER a complete bastion of love and safety, powerful enough to heal even the most powerful fears, it most certainly, has to be, at the Rolling Dog Farm.
    If this little guy is ever able to trust human, it will be under your patient care. I’m betting he will get some lessons from Bugsy sooner or later.

    Like

  6. Gayle Avatar
    Gayle

    I’m willing to bet by Easter he will be a Ma’s boy…. he might just be her new body guard….

    Like

  7. Anne in FL Avatar
    Anne in FL

    How sad for this little life to be so damaged. Such potential squashed so early. I really hope you, Alayne and the other dogs can gently and fully pull him out of the untrusting and scary place he has grown into. I know he will be a challenge, a different challenge than the puppy he came with But I hope he blossoms in your care.

    Like

  8. Shirley * James/Portland, OR Avatar

    So true Linda!
    You two never cease to amaze us! Your work is beyond inspiring, uplifting and down right hard. Thank goodness you listened to your calling and quit your high paying corporate jobs over a decade ago. You have SAVED hundreds!!!! We love you!

    Like

  9. KCMarla Avatar
    KCMarla

    Oh Sunny…..my heart breaks for you…..I want you to know JOY, not fear….I hope peace comes to you soon dear boy.

    Like

  10. Craig from Great Falls Avatar
    Craig from Great Falls

    A lot of fear..distrust in that face. He’ll be better in time. Can’t wait to see is progress.

    Like

  11. Penny Heinrich Avatar
    Penny Heinrich

    If anyone can turn things around for Sunny, it is you guys!

    Like

  12. Barb Ribinski Avatar
    Barb Ribinski

    Wow, this little fellow is going to need a lot of patience and love. At least he’s at the right place to get what he needs. Since he has his sight he will be able to see all the love and attention the others get and hopefully that will help to break through his shell. As time goes on and he isn’t mistreated and is always warm and his belly full, I think he will begin to come around. He may not be as cute as Cap, but he’s still a wonderful little dog. It’s hard to tell his size. How much does he weigh, Steve?

    Like

  13. Ashley Avatar

    Like Eric said, Welcome Home, Sunny. I know he’s in the best place he can be. Now he’s got a choice to make- to embrace where he is and this second chance he has… come on, Sunny, you can do it!

    Like

  14. Peggy S. Avatar
    Peggy S.

    It looks like the shelter folks kept him well fed….some of your special made food will probably bring him round. Being scared of humans ain’t easy to overcome. Looking forward to Sunny updates on the boy.

    Like

  15. Dawn Avatar
    Dawn

    If anyone can bring Sunny around, it is you.

    Like

  16. Miranda Brooks Avatar
    Miranda Brooks

    First thing I thought of when I saw the photo is Pug. Could he be mixed with that? Can’t even imagine the abuse he’s felt that makes him feel a crate is the only safe place to be. I once fostered a cat who climbed up inside the box spring on my bed and I didn’t see her again for 3 months! She came out when I was at work and asleep. Then she sat in the bedroom doorway while I was home. It took her a week or more to progress down that hallway and join us. Maybe when he sees all the other dogs being happy and loved he’ll loosen up a bit. I’m sure your caring will reach him. Good luck!

    Like

  17. Tonya Allen Avatar
    Tonya Allen

    Aw, poor guy. He looks a little pudgy too. He’ll perk up eventually, once he realizes he’s home and safe. I’ll look forward to the “after” photo a month or so from now.

    Like

  18. Barb Avatar
    Barb

    My shy dog spent the first 4 days of his life with me in his kennel. He was friendly, just petrified. Just this year, after almost 5 yrs, he has begun to greet strangers. You guys have a lot more experience than I do and you will have this guy snuggling in no time.

    Like

  19. boundforglory Avatar
    boundforglory

    You experts have seen this doggie personality before and I am confident that will a little time and love Sunny’s personality will match his name….at last. Welcome Home Sunny!

    Like

  20. Kate & Luke Avatar
    Kate & Luke

    Oh poor buddy! And I’m with everyone else, definitely looking forward to seeing his progress in the upcoming weeks. He is a lucky guy to be in such good hands!

    Like

  21. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    I am in complete agreement with everyone else. Sunny is in the best place he can be and with all your love and caring, I’m sure he’ll make a turnaround and we will see a totally different dog soon. He’s a cutie pie!

    Like

  22. Chloe Avatar

    Oh Sunny,
    You are going to have such a wonderful life at RDF.
    You will be loved beyond your wildest dreams.
    We are looking forward to seeing who you best buds are going to be.

    Like

  23. Colleen V Avatar
    Colleen V

    If ANYONE can get through to this little tyke, it is the two of you! He is a lucky boy now and eventually he’ll know it.

    Like

  24. Kathleen Rivard Avatar
    Kathleen Rivard

    Poor Sunny looks like a little Porker. I hate that his siblings, perfectly fine little pups, were put down. It may account for his outlook. Well, he’s now in the right place. People should be fined for having unwanted litters. It’s just not right!!!

    Like

  25. Gwen Craig Avatar
    Gwen Craig

    Poor little sweetheart. I’m so happy that he was lucky enough to be sent to you. He couldn’t be in a better place! I’m sure he will figure it out and show the wonderful little personality he is. Thank you and Alayne for all that you give to these babes!

    Like

  26. Jennifer McRoberts Avatar
    Jennifer McRoberts

    Oh Sunny….. Should I tell you a story about a beautiful blessing named, “Ella?” Your going to be just fine where you are. Steve and Alayne make dreams come true. Your heart will grow, all fears will be tossed to the wind. Your at heaven on earth. Hang in there buddy….
    La Ella Bella sends her best wishes….via her humans who worship her.
    With much love –
    The McRoberts Family

    Like

  27. Mary Ann Avatar
    Mary Ann

    Sunny probably doesn’t know what it is liked to be loved. Maybe he never received love and affection in his life. He may only know the harsh side of life. I know if anyone can help him, you can. All the best to you and Sunny. Love and hugs to Sunny.

    Like

  28. Anne in FL Avatar
    Anne in FL

    He looks to be such a nice snuggleable size! Wait till he finally figures out snuggling is nice.

    Like

  29. Betsy Avatar
    Betsy

    I don’t even want to think of Sunny’s early life to have him feel so scared and want to stay in his crate where he feels safe. I know it will take time, love and patience but he will learn what a great place he has arrived at. Here’s hoping he’ll soon see what a great new home he has.

    Like

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