You Will Be Shaken To The Core After Watching This Abandoned German Shepherd Run After Her Owner’s Car

I can’t imagine what goes on in the minds of people who dump their dogs in empty parking lots, thinking they’ll figure it out on their own. I know my mind is a mess after seeing what happened to Phoenix.

This sweet German Shepherd puppy didn’t see it coming.

She was tossed on an empty parking lot in Fresno, North California as if she was a piece of trash, someone unimportant. 

And, she was desperate. The poor pup kept jumping on her ex-owner’s car, believing it was only a game he was playing.

But, it wasn’t a game. It was cruel, and Phoenix soon realized that. 

The Heartbreaking Scene Of Abandonment

A White Nissan Sentra. Phoenix will forever remember that car. It was the car that drove her into despair.

A security camera of Country Living Mobile Home Park in Fresno, California, caught on tape Phoenix being left in their parking lot. Her ex-owner clearly did not care about this gorgeous black German Shepherd puppy. 

He didn’t even give her a chance to show how magnificent this breed can be. He just drove from who knows where, opened the car door, and slammed it behind Phoenix. 

Did he turn back to see Phoenix lost, looking around her?

No.

Did he stop for a second to see what she did?

No. 

The man just drove away, running from what he did.

She ran after him. She kept on jumping around the car, begging him to stop.

Chasing after the car that drove quickly down the street didn’t help. The man did not stop. 

It was heartbreaking, gut-wrenching, and simply horrible. 

Phoenix was abandoned. 

Take That, Ex-Owner!

Seeing that car leave was both the worst and the best thing that happened to Phoenix. Why? Because it opened her door to a whole new and better world. 

When she realized he wasn’t coming back, Phoenix ran toward the trailer houses where one of the workers there captured her inside until help arrived.

But, the scene of abandonment isn’t the worst thing here. 

According to Daily Mail, the owner was spotted earlier that day, wearing the same red sweatshirt and carrying a black GSD puppy with a pink collar. He was trying to leave her at the Fresno Animal Shelter, but it was closed that day. 

That man was trying to ditch Phoenix in every possible way, and then he decided to do what he did – the worst thing of all. 

“I obviously had no idea he was going to abandon it just minutes later. He told me he had found the dog, and that it wasn’t his. I didn’t believe him,” a shelter worker who took the photo of Phoenix and her owner visiting the shelter said. 

Apparently, the man tried lying to the shelter worker, claiming he’d just found the dog wandering. 

There’s no way a dog that doesn’t know the person he’s with would run after him like Phoenix did. That was a lie. 

Wasn’t there time to wait until the morning when the shelter opened?

Wasn’t there another shelter that would take Phoenix in? 

There’s no excuse for what the owner did to this poor, sweet soul. 

We all are pretty frustrated with what happened to Phoenix, but I feel like we shouldn’t shine any more light on him. We should focus on the good things that happened to Phoenix. 

This lovely black GSD is now in training, waiting to become a therapy dog. She’s got a loving foster family and a huge chance of having a terrific life. The road to it was quite bumpy and horrifying, but in the end, worth it.

Take that, ex-owner! Phoenix now has a better life than she’d ever have with you!

Therapy Dog In Training

The future is looking bright for Phoenix. 

Eventually, she ended up in Fresno’s Animal Shelter, after all. Thanks to Meredith Gintyig-Hayes and her organization, Regional Deployed K9 Inc. and Equine Rescue, Phoenix is in a foster program, looking for a furever home. 

Even if no one picks Phoenix (which is quite unlikely to happen), this pawdorable GSD will stay with Meredith. 

“Her true colors of being a wild child have begun to show through, she’s started to decompress from such a traumatic experience. Phoenix is fitting in well with the other dogs here and has begun to show confidence by beginning to explore our yard, which is about an acre, while the other fur babies are out playing,” said Meredith for Daily Mail.

As soon as Meredith decides Phoenix is ready, she will start her service dog training. This brilliant little pup has got some serious potential. There’s no doubt that Meredith will train Phoenix into the best service dog possible.

She’s emphatic. She’s sweet and understanding. And, she’s been through a lot. 

She knows exactly how someone with conditions like anxiety or PTSD feels.

Phoenix’s video crossed the globe and made everyone bawl their eyes out. It touched everyone to the core.

I know you guys will be happy to hear that now, she’s doing absolutely amazing.

Thank you, White Nissan Sentra driver, for ditching Phoenix. 

You will get the hefty fine you deserve. The world got to see a real canine gem now called Phoenix – the dog that rose above you and every person who thinks about abandoning a dog like this.

If you’ve ever experienced the sensation of your furry friend giving your feet a thorough licking, you’re not alone. This behavior might seem odd at first, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Dogs have a unique way of communicating, and licking is one of their ways to express themselves. It’s like their version of a handshake or a hug, but with a touch of slobber.

When your dog decides to shower your feet with licks, it could be a sign of affection, curiosity, or even a way to seek attention. Understanding why they do it can offer insights into your bond with your canine companion. So, next time your pup starts licking your toes, remember, it’s their way of saying something to you without barking a single word.

Understanding Canine Behavior

Exploring the Pack Mentality

Dogs have a strong pack mentality, which stems from their ancestry as pack animals. In a dog’s world, licking is considered a natural behavior linked to social structure and communication. When your dog licks your feet, it might be a way for them to show submission or reinforce their bond with you. This action could also be a sign of respect towards you as the “pack leader.”

Communication Through Licking

Licking is a primary form of communication for dogs since they lack verbal language. By licking your feet, your dog could be trying to convey various messages. It might be their way of seeking attention, showing affection, or even exploring your scent to gather information about you. Understanding this form of communication can help strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.

Reasons Dogs Might Lick Your Feet

Affection and Bonding

When dogs lick your feet, it’s often a display of affection and a way to strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. This behavior stems from their natural instinct to groom and care for their pack members, which includes their human family. Licking your feet can be a sign of love and a desire to connect with you on a deeper level.

Taste Attraction

Dogs have a heightened sense of taste and smell, so the saltiness on your skin can be appealing to them. When they lick your feet, they might be drawn to the taste of sweat or any residue from food you’ve eaten. This behavior is similar to how dogs explore scents with their noses, but in this case, it’s through licking to satisfy their curiosity and taste buds.

Seeking Attention

Licking your feet can be a way for dogs to seek your attention. Just like barking or wagging their tails, licking is a form of communication for them. They might lick your feet to get you to interact with them, play with them, or simply acknowledge their presence. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, I’m here, and I want your attention!”

Indicating Submissiveness

In the world of dogs, licking can also be a display of submissiveness. By licking your feet, dogs are showing respect and acknowledging your role as the leader of the pack. This behavior is rooted in their pack mentality, where they recognize hierarchy and demonstrate submission to those they consider authority figures. So, when your dog licks your feet, it could be their way of showing deference and respect towards you as their pack leader.

Health-Related Reasons for Foot-Licking

If your dog is constantly licking your feet, it could be trying to tell you something about your health. Here are a couple of reasons why your furry friend might be zeroing in on your toes:

Identifying Injuries or Infections

Your dog’s amazing sense of smell allows it to detect even the slightest changes in your body odor. If your feet smell different because of an injury or infection, your dog might show interest by licking them. It’s their way of letting you know that something might be off, prompting you to check for any issues that need attention.

Response to Your Emotional State

Dogs are incredibly empathetic creatures and can pick up on your emotions, even subtle ones. Stress, anxiety, or sadness can alter your body chemistry, and your dog may react by licking your feet as a soothing gesture to comfort you. It’s their special way of trying to make you feel better when they sense that you’re not your usual self.

The Influence of Training and Habit

Learned Behavior From Puppyhood

When dogs are puppies, they begin exploring the world through their senses, including licking. If a puppy licks your feet and you react positively, it reinforces this behavior. Over time, this positive association teaches the dog that licking feet is acceptable and may even lead to receiving attention or affection.

Reinforcement Through Owner’s Reaction

Your reaction to your dog’s behavior plays a significant role in reinforcing or discouraging it. If your dog licks your feet and you respond with pets or attention, they learn that this action garners a positive response. On the other hand, if you ignore or redirect this behavior, the dog may gradually learn that licking feet doesn’t lead to the desired outcome.Consistency in your responses is key to shaping your dog’s behavior over time.

When to Be Concerned About Foot-Licking

Excessive Licking and Obsessive Behavior

If your dog’s foot-licking seems excessive or turns into an obsessive behavior, it could signal a problem. Constant licking that interferes with daily activities, causing soreness, redness, or even wounds on the feet, may indicate an underlying issue. Excessive foot-licking could result from allergies, pain, anxiety, or stress. It’s essential to monitor this behavior and consult with a veterinarian if it becomes persistent.

Signs of Underlying Health Issues

Keep an eye out for signs that go beyond regular foot-licking behavior. Persistent licking accompanied by other symptoms like limping, swelling, discharge, or changes in skin appearance could indicate health issues. These signs might point to allergies, skin infections, parasites, or even joint problems. If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to schedule a vet visit to address the root cause and ensure your furry friend’s well-being.

How to Manage and Redirect Foot-Licking Behavior

Positive Reinforcement Training

When your furry friend licks your feet, use positive reinforcement to guide their behavior. Reward your dog with treats or praise when they stop licking your feet and engage in other activities. This will help them associate the desired behavior with a positive outcome, encouraging them to repeat it.

Providing Alternative Activities

Offer your dog alternative activities to redirect their licking behavior. Provide them with engaging toys, puzzles, or interactive games to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. By giving them something else to focus on, you can help shift their attention away from licking your feet.

Consulting a Professional

If your dog’s foot-licking behavior persists despite your efforts, it may be time to consult a professional. A veterinarian or a certified dog trainer can provide valuable insights and advice on how to address this behavior effectively. They can also assess if there are any underlying health issues that need to be addressed.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Dogs lick your feet for various reasons, from showing affection and seeking attention to indicating submissiveness and even checking on your well-being. Understanding these motivations can help you better connect with your furry friend and address any concerns related to their behavior. Remember, positive reinforcement and consistency in training are key to shaping your dog’s habits. If foot-licking becomes excessive or concerning, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a professional, such as a veterinarian or certified dog trainer. By working together, you can ensure a happy and healthy relationship with your canine companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do dogs lick their owner’s feet?

Dogs lick their owner’s feet as a form of communication and to express affection, curiosity, or seek attention. It can also signify bond strengthening, taste attraction, and submissiveness towards the owner, rooted in a dog’s instinct to groom and care for pack members.

What are the health-related reasons for foot-licking?

Dogs may lick their owner’s feet to identify injuries or infections, or in response to the owner’s emotional state. It can serve as a way for dogs to show care and concern for their human companions.

How can foot-licking behavior be managed?

To manage foot-licking behavior, positive reinforcement training, offering alternative activities, and consistency in responses are key. Consultation with professionals like veterinarians or certified dog trainers can provide additional insights and help address any underlying health issues.

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