In the United States, Pyrenean Mountain Dogs are currently among the preferred breeds. This makes them attractive to puppy mills.
Olaf is one of these impressive white livestock guardian dogs. When he is rescued from a puppy mill in San Diego, California, where he likely served as a stud dog, his fear is indescribably immense.
Just don’t go inside the house
The animal rescuers Lauren and Elli-Ana from Animal Pad have a hard time getting the large and heavy Olaf out of the puppy mill. He is just too scared. They have to lift him onto a transport cart to take him to the car.
When the two finally arrive with Olaf at his new foster family, they are completely exhausted.
Foster mom Anneliese also quickly notices how extremely fearful Olaf is. He has spent his life outdoors and doesn’t dare to step a millimeter inside the house.
Just don’t come too close
So the experienced animal advocate sets up a place for him on the terrace. In the first few days, Olaf stays at the furthest point in the garden from the house.
He also doesn’t let Anneliese get more than three to four meters close to him. However, she leaves all the doors in the house open. After a while, Olaf actually sticks his head through the door.
But he still doesn’t dare to come in more than two paws wide. Even treats don’t help.
Welcoming canine company
As much as Olaf avoids his foster mom, he is very interested in the other dogs in the house, especially the female dog.
It doesn’t take long, and the two play joyfully. The female dog is the one who encourages Olaf to come into the house. Finally, Olaf can leave his fears behind.
Being afraid means enormous stress
Commenters also express their joy, imagining what the poor dog must have gone through to develop such intense fear.
“Poor thing! I can’t even imagine how much stress it must cause to be constantly afraid,”
writes @monicae67.
This stress must have been truly overwhelming, and it’s almost a miracle how well Olaf has recovered from it.
