TAKING IN AN UNFRIENDLY & MALNOURISHED STRAY WHO KEEPS THEIR DISTANCE...

                                             

                      
A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY OSCAR'S FOUNDATION dba Oscar's Animal Rescue & Facilitation:

Taking in a stray (particularly a dog) that is unfriendly, malnourished, and doesn't allow you to get close is a challenging but compassionate act. Here's a breakdown of what you can do, prioritizing safety for you, and the well-being of the animal:

• Avoid Direct Contact if you feel threatened; call local animal control if you do NOT desire to get involved &/or a shelter/non-profit animal rescue for advice if you desire to offer assistance &/or provide temporary shelter for: Do not try to force interaction or physical touch. The stray is likely scared and may react defensively.
• Provide a Safe Space if able to under the circumstances: Offer a secure and comfortable area (like a crate or a room) where the stray can feel safe and unthreatened.
• Provide Food and Water: Leave food and water in their safe space and let them eat and drink at their own pace.
• Seek Veterinary Care: If possible, transport the stray to a veterinary hospital for treatment of malnutrition and any other medical issues; at the minimal have the animal scanned for a chip to identify the owner.
• Again, contact Animal Control if you now or begin to feel unable to further care for the animal, or a local shelter that houses stray animals at their facility &/or a non-profit animal rescue that can arrange temporary foster care:  Many organizations specialize in rehabilitating fearful and aggressive strays.
• Positive Reinforcement: Offer treats and praise when the stray shows signs of comfort or tolerance of your presence.
• Avoid Staring or Looming: These actions can be perceived as threatening.
• Be Patient: Building trust with a fearful stray takes time. 
• BE CAREFUL
• BE COMPASSIONATE
• BE PATIENT
  
  IMPORTANT TO NOTE:  Dealing with a fearful or aggressive stray can be dangerous. If you are not comfortable or feel unsafe, do not hesitate to contact animal control or a local shelter that houses stray animals at their facility, &/or a non-profit animal rescue that can arrange temporary foster care.
  
  https://www.facebook.com/people/Oscars-Foundation-dba-Oscars-Animal-Rescue-Facilitation/100085646571717/