Freddie, a very endearing little chihuahua, was kept in captivity in a small, cramped metal cage for 9 years. A prisoner in a dog breeding plant in the Midwestern United States, he has only very rarely seen the light of day and, above all, he has never known what it was like to be loved and to have a family. He conceived a very large number of small puppies that he never knew in his life and when he was declared too old to breed, he was fortunately rescued with 34 other dogs by the National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR).
1. Freddie after his arrival at the National Mill Dog Rescue
As one might expect, dogs kept in captivity all their lives are very fearful and shy towards humans. This was also the case for Freddie when he arrived at the shelter. However, he quickly got used to the love and cuddles offered by his rescuers.
Theresa Strader, founder of the NMDR, told The Dodo: “Life in a cage is very difficult for dogs, both physically and emotionally. Many of our dogs need a complete rehabilitation before they are ready to become family members,[but] Freddie certainly has a strong mind. He’s a brave little guy.”
2. Freddie in his enclosure at the shelter
However, what Freddie appreciated most when he arrived at the shelter was certainly that Mrs. Stader offered him a small bed for himself. This is certainly a very pleasant and symbolic event for a dog who has lived his whole life in discomfort. Strader says, “It’s heartbreaking to realize that they haven’t had access to the basics so far.
3. Big hugs from Mrs. Strader for Freddie
When Mrs. Strader first entered Freddie’s pen to give him her bed, she put it on the ground and simply looked at the little chihuahua. Insecure, his tail was bent between his legs, but she could guess that he understood that it was a moment of happiness for him since his tail was moving at the same time. So she took Freddie and kindly put him in bed. Happy, Freddie jumped in for a while, then huddled in the soft cushion.
4. A difficult life
While he was a captive of a dog factory, Freddie never received the necessary care, such as dental care, for example. By the time he was 9, he had already lost all his teeth. Nevertheless, when he tried to chew on his little bed for the first time, he was all the more adorable. Ms. Strader says he greatly enjoyed his bed as soon as he went to bed. “Other dogs may be more cautious and have no idea what a soft bed is for, but they learn very quickly. Freddie huddled up to him from the beginning, as if he knew it was only one of the many benefits he would experience[now].”
5. Freddie’s story on video
Now, the next step was to find him a home. To help his cause, the rescuers filmed him to show how adorable he was in order to encourage a good loving family to take care of him for the rest of his life.
6. Freddie’s new life
It finally took only a very short time for a beautiful family to come and adopt Freddie and give him a home and all the love in the world. After 9 years of misery, this little chihuahua can finally enjoy life!
Source: The Dodo
