Lena was found scavenging for food near a garbage can. She was skin and bones all over, with her ribcage sticking out on her skin like ridges on a piece of cloth. If she spent another two days of going without food or clean water, it would be the end of her.
Getting Lena to trust her rescuer was no picnic, however. All efforts to get close to her were met with hostility — loud angry growls with attempts to bite whatever she could reach. This is what happens when a dog is exposed to cruel treatment on a regular basis.
Somehow the rescuer managed to put a leash around her neck, and he also convinced her to enter the crate he brought without incident. Upon arriving at the shelter though, Lena's hostile behavior returned with a vengeance, and she almost succeeded in biting a chunk off of the man.
Thankfully, the man never even considered giving up. He spent hours and hours in Lena's company to remind her that not all people are evil dog beaters. He seized every opportunity — including feeding time, to prove to her that all he wanted was to help her get better.
His efforts finally paid off when, one day, he greeted Lena like he always did, and she wagged her tail for the very first time. Not one to miss a beat, he seized the moment and tried to pet her, which she allowed. It was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
A year later, Lena had gained weight considerably and was a much happier dog than he'd found her. Where her responses had been tentative, now she gave — and received affection without reluctance. Not only that, but she was also getting along great with her dog siblings who were also brought over to the shelter, so they could have a fresh start.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG0bVx6tEvU
Source: Wooflife via YouTube