Paco – A Frightened Tail Turned Happy

When Paco arrived at Baypath in December 2022, he was untrusting of people and wary of eating. Staff and volunteers would often  find him pacing in his kennel, as if he was anxiously looking for ways to escape. If a member of our caring team would approach, this scared husky mix would nervously back into a corner. As our in-shelter team is Fear Free Certified, they knew to allow Paco to adjust at his own pace while maintaining a predictable schedule. The goal of this specialized introductory adjustment process is to gradually allow shelter pets to develop positive associations around people, food, new environments, cleanliness and compassion.

A potential flight risk, our skilled animal care team worked in tandem with Paco, relying on each other to ensure the new arrival’s safety. Knowing all that this sweet boy had been through, the Baypath team was determined to help him feel safe and loved. After a few short weeks following a predictable schedule and showing Paco that good things such as food, playtime and treats come with the people who approach him, he began to warm up and adjust to his new temporary home. Shelter Manager Nikki Baltas happily reported that Paco was “caught playing with a toy,” his tail untucked from underneath him – a huge milestone for a dog who previously had been horribly neglected in terrible conditions.

All too often, our staff doesn’t know much about the pasts of animals who come into our care. In Paco’s case, our team was fortunate to work collaboratively with the Humane Society of the United States, whose Animal Rescue Team rescued Paco and many other animals from severe neglect.

Photo credit: The HSUS-NM Dog Cruelty Rescue/ Meredith Lee

The expansive property in New Mexico where Paco was found contained 62 dogs – including 19 puppies – all living in dismal, unsanitary conditions. Except for a small handful of pups curious enough to approach the HSUS team, most hid behind pieces of plywood, inside makeshift structures or under porch floorboards. With the assistance of the San Miguel Sheriff’s Department, HSUS’s Animal Rescue team was eventually able to gently coax the frightened animals into their loving care.

Photo credit: The HSUS-NM Dog Cruelty Rescue/ Meredith Lee

After addressing their immediate veterinary needs, each dog was flown to HSUS’s care and rehabilitation center in Maryland, a state-of-the-art facility with highly trained trauma staff. Audra Houghton, director of operations for the New Mexico rescue, explained the significant impact of trauma on dogs such as Paco, sharing “a single event can really change an animal – it can affect their brain chemistry.” Because of this, rescue responders like Michelle Clancy understand that patience and understanding are imperative when working with these special animals from unimaginable circumstances:

If we force them to go at a pace we want, that’s just going to make it horrible for them. We’re taking it slow, and that’s when we see their real personality come out. With a consistent schedule of feeding and bathroom breaks, it is only within a few days that the staff begin to see some of the rescues from San Miguel anticipate the staff, since they know that is their mealtime and they approach the front of their kennels and wag their tails.

Once Paco had recuperated in Maryland, he was sent to Baypath, thanks to our ongoing partnership with HSUS. After just a few short weeks in our Fear Free shelter, he piqued the interest of a wonderful family who wanted to welcome him into their loving home.

After briefly fostering Paco, Debbie and her husband decided they wanted to make this handsome husky a permanent member of their family! With the support of Shelter Manager Nikki Baltas, Dog Foster Coordinator Lauren DiMartino and Director of Training and Behavior Beth MacLeod, Debbie and her husband were able to provide a slow transition in a supportive home setting. According to Debbie, “At first, Paco found refuge behind the sofa in our family room – it became his sanctuary. During his first month with us, he never ventured far from behind that sofa.” His amazing new ‘paw-rents’ even kept his water and food bowls in his safe space!

Before long, Paco’s adopters noticed their new furry family member feeling more comfortable. Whether relaxing to chew on a Nylabone, playing with toys or socializing with their other dogs, Paco began to demonstrate a newfound confidence. Debbie reported that “his tail, which was usually tucked tightly between his legs, began to show and curl as husky tails do.” Paco started to enjoy sunshine, rolling in the grass, chasing leaves and even birdwatching. She shared, “In true husky fashion, he also enjoyed running and rolling in the snow!”

Paco’s fluffy tail truly reveals this happy tale! From the first time he untucked his tail ever so slightly at the shelter, to the moment he did so while adjusting to Debbie’s home, Paco continues to evolve into an affectionate, social and self-assured pup.

Debbie shared with our team that Paco recently earned the magical new nickname ‘Houdini,’ thanks to frequently demonstrating a unique trick. This clever pup can skillfully flip his empty food bowl to land perfectly on top of his full water dish!

Despite his traumatic past, Paco has done as much for Debbie and her husband as they have for him. “He has helped us to heal from the loss of two of our huskies,” she said. One incredible rescue mission + one special dog + extraordinary adopters = a happy tale indeed!