Joyce Lamas and her husband left a year ago to rescue a dog named Ottavio from a rescue group that had taken him from a violent home where many of the dogs had been neglected. The pup was afraid of humans at first, but Joyce is committed to changing that.
She wanted nothing more than to help and make this dog’s life complete.
“From the first moment we saw them, we never parted,” Joyce told The Dodo.
In the months following Ottavio’s arrival at their home, the couple saw him unfold before their eyes. He now likes to cuddle rather than turn away in fear. But there was still a trace of his past.
The dog always left his bowl half full when he ate. The dog’s parents suspect that due to his neglectful past he must ration his meals or even allocate some food to other dogs in need. Either way, it was heartbreaking.
“It’s sad,” said Joyce. “I always tell him: It’s okay if you eat everything.” “In time, we hope Ottavio learns that he can leave this part of his past behind. His new family is dedicated to helping him and making him better.”
“I know it will never be without anything in life — no food, no love,” Joyce continued. “We try to make him as happy as possible.”
It’s part of the challenge of adopting a previously abused dog. And Joyce is more than ready for it.
“They need patience and a lot of love because it can take longer to adapt,” Lamas said. “But it is remarkable how much love affects animals. An animal that is rescued is much sweeter, grateful and loving than others. They are absolutely amazing!
