A Dog Rescued with Emotional Scars Finds a Deep Bond with Her Rescuer

A Dog Rescued with Emotional Scars Finds a Deep Bond with Her Rescuer
When Kaya Gwinn, founder of Shiloh’s Animal Rescue, saw a photo of a scared mother dog and her four puppies in an orchard in Bakersfield, California, she immediately decided to take action.
Her rescue team quickly stepped in and brought the entire family to an emergency foster home so they could be safe.

The mother dog, later named Honey, was in very poor condition and ill. She was underweight, covered in fleas and ticks, and limped due to an old hip injury. Gwinn and her team realized that Honey had likely spent most of her life outdoors, used for breeding, and had never received the care she truly needed.
After spending some time in temporary foster care, Gwinn decided to bring Honey to her home in Los Osos, California. From that day, Honey’s life slowly began a new chapter.
Learning to Feel Safe Again

Once Honey arrived, it was clear that her emotional scars ran deep. She avoided eye contact, hid in corners, and didn’t know how to behave around people.
Gwinn realized that Honey had probably never experienced the comfort of a real home. She would lie on the ground instead of being petted, as if this was the most normal thing in her life—pain and fear had been constant companions.
What Honey wanted most, but had never received, was affection.
“I think she always wanted someone to love her and be there for her, like dogs are naturally affectionate with each other, but she never got the love she needed,” Gwinn said.
Gwinn began showing patience and kindness every day. She spoke softly, petted Honey gently, and gave her the time she needed to build trust. Slowly, Honey’s fear began to fade, and they witnessed her growth and happiness emerging.
Feeling Love for the First Time
As Honey realized she was safe, her personality began to shine. Like any dog, she wagged her tail and expressed joy. She formed a deep bond with Gwinn, following her everywhere and savoring every bit of affection.
Now, Honey curls up in Gwinn’s lap, eyes closed, completely comfortable, as if making up for all the love she had missed in her life.
Gwinn says, “I feel truly connected with her. She’s one of a kind. Sometimes I feel stressed, and she just flops onto my lap and makes me feel infinitely better.”
Honey also had hip surgery to reduce pain and improve mobility. She is now healthy and happy, living with Gwinn in Los Osos. Her four puppies have all been adopted, and Honey is still waiting for her forever family—the one that will give her the unconditional love she has always deserved.