A puppy dubbed her shelter's "most frightened dog" no longer needs to be scared.
Miley was just seven months old when she first arrived at the shelter.
"She was transferred here from another shelter where she was not having much luck finding a home," Cherie Wachter from the Humane Society of Broward County told Newsweek. The hustle and bustle of a busy shelter environment can be intimidating to some dogs.
According to a 2006 study in the journal Physiology and Behavior, dogs entering the shelter system have three times the levels of cortisol, the hormone linked to stress, in their bodies over their first three days there compared with canines living in a standard domestic setting.
Wachter acknowledges that Miley struggled with the adjustment. "Miley was very shy at the shelter, where it can be loud with the other dogs barking at times. She would often sit in the back of her kennel when people would walk past her kennel," she said.
Miley's anguish with her surroundings was further compounded when, in a heartbreaking twist, she was adopted only to be returned to the shelter for essentially doing something any untrained puppy might have done in similar circumstances.
"She was adopted and returned because she ate the adopter's hearing aids," Wachter said.
As with all dogs in their care, the staff at the Humane Society of Broward County were determined to ensure Miley felt as loved and supported as they possibly could in the circumstances.
"She, like all the dogs, did enjoy when the PAL volunteers would go in and spend time with her and give her lots of attention," Wachter said. "On our PAL program—which stands for Petting, Attention & Love—volunteers spend quiet, quality time with the animals."
Despite her difficulties, it was clear that once Miley found that special someone outside of the shelter system, she would be an entirely different dog.
"When she was taken outside, she would perk up and enjoy the fresh air and become energetic at times," Wachter said.
The aim was to get someone to take a chance on her, and this was significantly aided by the video that was shared to the shelter's TikTok channel, introducing her as their "most frightened dog."
"The world is a scary place for her," the shelter wrote alongside the clip, showing Miley trying everything to avoid the person filming. "Sweet puppy Miley doesn't know how to cope with the stress of the shelter, so she hides at the back of her kennel to feel safe."
They encouraged anyone with space in their hearts and homes to get in touch.
"Miley is a very sweet and docile girl," the blurb accompanying the video said. "She is curious and playful, and will need lots of healthy activities and chew toys at home. Miley likes children and other dogs, and would make a great addition to a loving and patient family."
Within 48 hours, everything had changed.
"I'm happy to report that Miley was adopted," Wachter said.
Miley doesn't need to be scared now. She has a home of her own and won't be alone anymore. "She has a new dog friend and hopefully that will help her with her shyness and help her become the great dog we know she has the potential to become," Wachter said.
"We wish Miley and all the best, and we know with time and patience she will settle in and be a wonderful addition to their family."
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