Texas Dog Missing One Ear Arrives Home And Treats Every Ordinary Movement Like A Threat
After surviving a traumatic past and landing on an urgent placement list, a scarred rescue dog named Roman slowly learns that he is finally safe to just be a dog.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
Roman’s life started with unimaginable hardship on the streets of San Antonio, Texas.
When he was finally picked up, his physical condition told a devastating story of his past.
He was missing his left ear and his body was covered in scars.
Rescuers suspected the sweet boy had been used as a bait dog.
With such severe trauma, Roman was placed on an urgent placement list, facing an uncertain future.
A Second Chance at Life
Just when time was running out, a dedicated team stepped in to change Roman’s fate.
Dizzy Dog Animal Rescue pulled him from the shelter and made a life-saving commitment.
They promised to get all of his extensive medical needs taken care of immediately.
The rescue team knew that beneath his physical wounds was a dog who deserved a chance to heal.
Finding the Perfect Home
After receiving the medical care he desperately needed, Roman was finally healthy enough to look for a forever home.
That’s when Cory and her family entered the picture.
They applied to adopt the brave survivor and eagerly awaited the rescue’s decision.
“We were lucky enough they chose us,” Cory shared.
Terrified of the World
Bringing Roman home revealed just how deep his emotional scars ran.
He was absolutely terrified of his new surroundings and didn’t know how to handle normal household activities.
If someone pulled out a cord to plug something in, Roman would immediately drop to the ground in fear.
Even his first time seeing snow was overwhelming, causing him to bark at the unfamiliar weather.
Unsure About Kindness
The concept of being spoiled was completely foreign to the rescue dog.
Every experience in his new home was brand new to him, including receiving gifts.
Whenever Cory offered him a new food or a fun toy, Roman was incredibly unsure.
He would look at his family as if asking, “Is this actually for me?”
Realizing He Is Safe
It took months of patience for Roman to understand that he was finally out of harm’s way.
Everyday chores, like folding laundry and flinging a t-shirt out, used to frighten him.
Slowly, he began to realize that no one was ever going to hurt him again.
He was finally learning that he was safe, he was allowed to be a dog, and he could even have his own opinions.
Building Confidence on Walks
As Roman felt his way through the world, his confidence began to blossom.
Walks around the neighborhood became less stressful and more enjoyable.
Now, if someone is in their front yard watering the grass, Roman can comfortably stay on the same side of the street.
When he spots another dog, he simply looks up at his family for reassurance, showing incredible progress.
Sweet Dreams and Couch Cuddles
The bond Roman shares with his new family is truly special.
When he falls asleep, you can often catch him with a little smile on his face, his tail wagging as he dreams.
He even has moments where he happily munches on “imaginary snacks” in his sleep.
Cory’s absolute favorite thing is seeing the once-terrified dog peacefully cuddling up with his dad on the couch.
Protecting a Misunderstood Dog
Because of Roman’s traumatic past and the judgment passed on his breed, Cory admits she is highly defensive of him.
She gets frustrated when strangers side-eye him without knowing what he has survived.
She wishes people would stop and ask questions for a minute so she could tell them all about her amazing boy.
“The fact that he’s walking around right now and getting fresh air and enjoying life, don’t look at him that way,” she expressed.
A Future Filled With Love
Cory and her family know that Roman’s healing is a journey, but they are incredibly optimistic about his future.
They often say that five years from now, Roman is going to be an absolute dream dog.
While she is sorry he had such a hard life in the beginning, Cory is determined to make up for lost time.
She wants Roman to know that she loves him deeply and is endlessly proud of the brave dog he has become.
