Pumpkin’s journey from the reservation to the shelter was just the beginning. The trauma he carried was visible in every tense movement, and it was obvious he needed more than just a place to stay—he needed a fresh start. (Watch TikTok below)

While at the shelter, it was obvious that Pumpkin was having difficulty adjusting to his new environment. Hearing anyone approach his kennel could make Pumpkin pee or poop out of fear, a sight that broke the hearts of those who tried interacting with him, including pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka.

“When I first met Pumpkin, the fear was overwhelming. As I walked up to his kennel, he was so terrified that he pooped right there,” shares Rocky.

Rocky knew that earning the slightest trust from Pumpkin required a gentle approach, which he exercised in his interaction with him. From speaking to him in soothing tones to offering him calm reassurances, making non-threatening movements, and giving him his space, Rocky’s efforts went a long way in making Pumpkin feel at ease around him.

Thankfully, these efforts paid off, as Pumpkin felt safe enough to allow Rocky to scoop him up, closing the physical and emotional distance between them. This was a moment of indescribable joy for Rocky, as it was a sign that Pumpkin was starting to lower his guard.

Given the extent of Pumpkin’s emotional scars, there was no doubt that he had to be in a different environment that could offer him a much better sense of comfort, security, and healing.  It’s for this reason that Rocky made the decision to pull him out of the shelter and enroll him in his rehabilitation centre: Flip’s Farm.

“At the Farm, he’ll get the time, space, and patience he needs to heal. It’s quiet there, peaceful, and he can be surrounded by nature while learning to trust again,” Rocky says.

Although Pumpkin’s road to full mental & emotional recovery may be long, the chapters of his future are being written with the ink of hope. Each day at the Flip’s Farm presents an opportunity for him to make strides in his healing journey, and for him to realize the world isn’t a frightening place to be in as he thinks. Rocky believes having a dog friend will be beneficial to Pumpkin’s healing.

“I’ll work with him every day and who knows? Maybe a buddy dog will join him to show him the ropes. Dogs learn best from other dogs, and I think having a friend might just be the key to his recovery,” Rocky says.