New York Shy Shelter Dog Holds One Stranger’s Gaze Before Beginning An Unlikely Journey
A tiny, fearful rescue dog in New York City transforms from a shaking pup who refused to go outside into an 18-kilometer hiking companion exploring the globe.
Overlooked And Terrified
When Hershey’s future owner first met him at a New York shelter, the tiny dog was struggling to show his true personality.
Because people tend to gravitate toward energetic and outgoing dogs, Hershey was constantly passed over.
He was the complete opposite of a bubbly pup. He was so shy that nobody seemed to want him.
When faced with new situations, the little dog would simply freeze and start shaking uncontrollably.
A Connection In A Single Glance
Despite his overwhelming fear, something special happened the day his future owner came to see him.
The two made eye contact, and the usually terrified dog just held their gaze.
In that quiet, still moment, a deep bond was formed instantly.
His owner knew right then and there that Hershey was the one.
The Noises Of The City
Bringing Hershey home was just the beginning of a long journey to help him feel safe.
They lived in New York City, a place known for being incredibly loud and overwhelming.
The bustling streets and sudden noises were too much for the timid dog.
He was so terrified of the environment that he completely refused to go outside.
Morning Walks And Small Steps
Knowing Hershey needed time, his owner came up with a gentle plan to help him adapt to the family.
They started taking him for quick walks very early in the morning, before the city woke up.
With the streets quiet, Hershey could explore without the overwhelming sensory overload.
Slowly, day by day, they eased him into daytime walks, making a little bit of progress each time.
Taking Flight For The First Time
Eventually, the patient exposure worked, and Hershey became desensitized to the loud sounds of the city.
His owner, an avid traveler, dreamed of sharing that adventurous aspect of their life with him.
They decided to take a leap of faith, booking Hershey on his very first flight to Canada.
During the trip, the tiny dog tried to peep his head out to see what was going on, but otherwise went right to sleep.
Finding Courage On The Road
That first trip was a massive turning point for the once-fearful pup.
His owner credits a large part of his growing bravery to taking him on these exciting trips.
Through travel, Hershey realized that he didn’t need to be scared of the world anymore.
He shed his shaking exterior and became a much more outgoing and social dog.
Tiny Legs, Massive Hikes
Today, Hershey’s absolute favorite thing to do is either hiking or exploring nature.
Even though he weighs only 5 pounds, he has proven to be an incredibly athletic dog.
His owner always carries a backpack just in case he gets tired on the trails.
But of all the adventures they’ve been on, Hershey has never needed it—he prefers exploring on his own little legs.
Conquering Volcanoes Together
The dog who once refused to step onto a New York sidewalk can now easily hike 18 kilometers all by himself.
Together, they have traveled to Canada, Italy, and even hiked up a volcano in Guatemala.
Traveling with Hershey has become his owner’s greatest joy.
Their incredible journey hasn’t just boosted the confidence of a once-shy dog—it has boosted his owner’s confidence, too.
