Story #42: The Dogs That Teach You the Most
As told by Chip Cory, Volunteer
The Beginning of the Journey
I have always been drawn to dogs who are fearful, anxious, or stressed. I can’t really explain why, but it has always affected me deeply. To this day, I cannot watch ASPCA commercials without tearing up. Animals who are scared or shut down stay with me long after I walk away.
In 2025, while volunteering at Anderson Humane, I met a sweet girl named Twyla. She had been moved into an office because she was not eating or adjusting to the shelter environment. She was not aggressive. She was overwhelmed and afraid.
Our relationship began quietly. I would sit on the floor and talk softly to her with no expectations. Her ears were pinned back, she would not take treats, and if I touched her, her skin would jump. I learned to softly say the word “collar” before reaching for her neck so she would not be startled. At first, it felt like we were not making any progress at all.
Our walks were especially challenging.
Some days, we would make it ten feet before she would flatten herself to the ground and refuse to move. Other days, we did not make it out the door. It was frustrating at times, but it forced me to slow down and meet her where she was, not where I wanted her to be.
I volunteered two shifts a week, and over the course of a couple of months, the small changes added up. Twyla began standing when I entered her office kennel. She started looking for me instead of shrinking away. Our walks slowly grew longer one step at a time.
I will never forget the day we finally made it from the offices to the grassy pen. It might not sound like much, but for us, it was everything. It felt like a day of celebration for us both.
Twyla has since been adopted by a loving family and is thriving.
Knowing she is safe and happy makes every slow step and stalled walk worth it.
Working with Twyla taught me that slow and steady really does win the race, and that trust is earned, not given. I think about her often and feel grateful for the time we shared.
Like the saying goes, “who rescued who?”
Twyla helped me become a better human. She taught me patience and reminded me to show kindness and understanding when someone is scared, anxious, or stressed.
Twyla’s story is just one of many, but it is one I will carry with me forever.
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