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On May 8, 2025, my elderly mother and I adopted Milo, a three-year-old Chihuahua, from a shelter that had saved him from a euthanasia list.

Connie Hoffman

It has been four months, and he has been our most challenging rescue. We have two other pups, and all three dogs get along wonderfully. However, Milo is terrified of people. I cannot touch him unless I bribe him with wet food. Even then, I must hold my palm up with my fingers slightly bent. He allows me to stroke him twice from his ear to his shoulder, but then he is finished and backs away.

I have done so much research to learn how best to help him. Everything comes down to allowing him to proceed on his own terms, giving him all the time he needs, and never applying pressure. I keep my hands close to my body, stay at his level on the couch, and speak softly to him.

After four months, we can tell that Milo is very happy in our home. He becomes incredibly excited when I return from work and sleeps snuggled into the bend of my knees at night.

He is so smart, and I hope we can help rewire his brain so he understands that human touch can be gentle and loving. No matter what happens, even if he never accepts my touch, Milo has found his forever home.

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Story submitted by Connie Hoffman.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!