A New Sunshine

I’ve been spending a lot of time at the shelter, working with different dogs and getting to know their unique personalities. Some are playful and jumpy, others are calm and gentle. But one dog, Lordas, caught my eye from the very start.

Lordas is a German Shepherd with a powerful build and a serious expression. At first glance, he looks intimidating, and I wasn’t sure how he’d react to a new person. He mostly stayed in his corner, watching everything around him. I respected his space and gave him time to feel comfortable.

Then, on one of my recent visits, I noticed something different. Lordas approached the fence and gave a little wag of his tail. I decided to be brave and gently offered my hand. To my surprise, instead of backing away, he leaned in and let me scratch behind his ears.

It was a simple moment, but it felt like a big win. The dog I once thought was too scary to approach turned out to be sweet and gentle. It reminded me that first impressions can be misleading, and that sometimes all it takes is patience and kindness to form a bond.

A photo of Lordas when I took him out for a walk

Now, whenever I think about the shelter, Lordas stands out in my mind. He’s no longer the “scary-looking” German Shepherd, but a new friend, a sunshine, who taught me that trust and understanding often lie just beneath the surface.