After getting into the van, the Hope for Paws team began to check Yankee for any apparent injuries. Remarkably, Yankee had no significant injuries, which is surprising given that he was stray for quite a while.
But, one thing they did notice is that Yankee was in desperate need of food and water. He looked malnourished, and he definitely needed a bath. Even though Yankee was very nervous, the Hope for Paws team did their best to make him feel more comfortable throughout the process. His anxiety showed, as he was visibly shaking in the person’s arms.
They Finally Coaxed Yankee Out of the Alleyway
The Hope for Paws crew had lots of experience working with stray dogs. Luckily, they knew just the right techniques to get Yankee to trust them enough for them to put the leash on. After some trial and error, they were finally able to walk him out of the alleyway.
Even though Yankee was still skeptical of these people, he trusted them enough to let them take him, which was great progress for Yankee.
The Hope for Paws Crew Carried Yankee to the Rescue Van
Knowing that Yankee could escape back to the alleyway at any moment, the people from Hope for Paws scooped him up and carried him to the rescue van.
On the way to the van, a woman walked up and started to pet Yankee on the head. She was local to the area, and she had seen Yankee walking the streets for a while. She even tried to help him a few times. She was so happy to see he was finally in good hands.
Next Stop: The Rescue Hospital
While on the way to the rescue hospital, they tried to get Yankee settled in the van. However, he was very timid and unwilling to go in certain areas, so it was difficult to get him into a crate or anything. After some coaxing, he was settled in the back of the rescue van, and he was ready to go.
On the car ride to the hospital, everyone made sure Yankee was as comfortable as possible. They petted and soothed him, and it even made Yankee open up a bit.
Yankee Slowly Started to Warm Up to the Hope for Paws Team
In the back of the van, Yankee felt comfortable going into the crate, but only if the door was left open. The trust was still building between Yankee and the team, but it was getting there. About halfway through the car ride, Yankee came out of the crate and onto the passenger seat to hang out with the team.
From his actions, the team was confident Yankee was making progress, and that he would completely warm up to them in no time.