One year ago we adopted the most shut-down dog at the shelter - the transformation is unreal

Last April we adopted a 4 year old pit mix named Remy from our local shelter. when we met him he was pressed flat against the back of his kennel not making eye contact with anyone. staff told us he had been there for 9 months and almost no adoption inquiries. i honestly almost walked past his kennel but my wife stopped and just sat on the floor near him for like 10 minutes without doing anything. he eventually scooted an inch closer to sniff her shoe. that was it, we were done.

the first 3 months were rough. he wouldnt eat if we were watching. he flinched at any sudden movement. he would panic if we raised our voices even just laughing loudly. we basically spent months just existing near him, letting him set the pace for everything. no forcing pets, no picking him up, just being calm and boring and predictable. our vet called it the 3-3-3 rule and said some dogs take way longer than 3 months. she was right.

yesterday he ran to greet me at the door and jumped up to put his paws on my chest (working on the jumping thing but honestly who cares) and then rolled over for belly rubs. if you'd shown me that dog a year ago i genuinely wouldnt have believed he was the same animal. if you're considering adopting a shy or traumatized dog, please please do it. they just need time and someone who wont give up