It takes a whole village to help a shelter dog feel brave enough to leave his kennel. And right now, a sweet pup named YAYO is that quiet soul over at @vivspowers who really needs a win. He recently arrived at Dallas Animal Services after being surrendered by his owners and the change has been completely overwhelming for him. But Vivian, along with some other shelter workers, is spending time with YAYO to help him find his courage again.
Shelter dog up for adoption is a gentle soul, needing little help every now and then
The clip starts with YAYO sitting timidly in his small space at the shelter. He looks around with the saddest eyes. And when a volunteer tries to move him using his leash, he refuses to budge from the floor. The dog is just trying to make sense of everything that changed. Eventually, with the help of a staff member, he is finally outdoors in the sun. But even here, he stands in the corner of the yard with one leg lifted. He looks so unsure about the grass under his paws.
Eventually, YAYO finds his way to the outdoor kennel and sits inside it even while the door is open. A volunteer walks up to him to pat him sweetly on his head. Vivian shared that she started bringing him snacks to gain his trust. At first, she brings him a lick mat covered in peanut butter to help him relax inside his kennel. The dog looks up curiously but waits a beat before trying it. He isn’t sure what behavior is acceptable anymore.
Then he starts licking the treat and forgets his worries for a second. The next day, he still ducks when Vivian reaches out to pet him. However, YAYO’s appetite is definitely coming back as he samples different treat textures from a slow-feeder bowl. It is definitely not easy being surrendered, but this boy has a little village of staff and volunteers who see him for who he is.
Vivian is determined to help him find a family that stays. People in the comments are already sending so much love his way. One person mentioned they are praying he gets adopted soon. YAYO is currently waiting for a hero at Dallas Animal Services. Fostering this shelter dog and freeing him from the kennel could honestly change everything.
