Given A Chance, Frightened Former Stray Ralphie Slowly Learned To Trust

If you didn’t already know, part of each sale on the iHeartDogs.com store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which offers grants for programs like Rescue Bank. Shopping from the iHeartDogs store is the reason heartwarming stories like the one below are made possible!

When Ralphie was plucked off the streets of Houston and brought into an overcrowded city pound, he was estimated to be around 3 to 4 years old. Terrified by the new surroundings, he stood very little chance of being adopted over the many other dogs there.

Fortunately, Colorado Canine Rescue came to the aid of Ralphie and several other dogs at the Houston shelter. They transported these pups to Colorado, saving them from potentially being euthanized to make more space at the overcrowded city shelter.

Once he made it to Colorado on a transport, Ralphie’s foster with Colorado Canine Rescue saw his photo and decided to help him. This offered the scared pup a vital opportunity to prove himself.

Ralphie’s foster described what it was like first meeting him:

“When I picked him up from the transport, he was immobile and terrified. He was catatonic and did not relax. I carried him to my car like a piece of stiff wood, thinking, ‘Oh now, this poor guy!'”

From Frightened Foster To ‘Ambassadog’ For New Fosters

For the first few weeks with his foster family, Ralphie was wary of people and avoided them. He did, however, enjoy playing with their other dogs. His foster shared:

“He adored playing with our dogs and definitely has a knack for getting along with all dogs. That skill probably helped him survive on the street.”

After a few months of caring for Ralphie and watching him become more trusting and loving, his foster had to adopt him. He had gone from anxious street dog to beloved companion.

“Each breakthrough with Ralph was heartwarming. Inch by inch we attained his trust and love. He is truly a super cool dog, and now he is in the happy role of ‘ambassadog’ to new fosters who come to our home!”

Thankfully, Colorado Canine Rescue and Ralphie’s foster could give him that chance to come out of his shell. He’s now a happy, loved dog who’s helping other dogs feel safe too.

How iHeartDogs Customers And Rescue Bank Helped

Rescue Bank allows animal charities and small rescues lacking resources to help as many animals as possible through cost-saving food donations and transports. Rescue Bank operates on a national food bank model, accepting pet food donations from manufacturers, distributors, or retailers, and then making food grants to community-based animal welfare groups. These nutritious food donations help rescue groups save money, so they can reallocate funds towards other things like vet treatments, facility management, and fostering costs.

Because Colorado Canine Rescue benefits from Rescue Bank donations, they were able to save Ralphie and find him his foster to his adoptive family.

“Colorado Canine Rescue is run entirely by volunteers. All of our vet, behavioral, and food costs are donated, or covered by funds raised with outreach. We would definitely not be able to help as many dogs as we do without the generosity of the public and charity partners.”

When you shop eligible products on iHeartDogs.com, you’re helping save dogs like Ralphie! Buy something for your pup or the dog lovers in your life and help rescue dogs at the same time.

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The following products provide quality dog food for shelters and rescues, helping them reserve more of their precious funds for medical expenses, supplies, and spreading the word about their adoptable pups. Learn more.