5 days ago
Tears As Rescue Dog Takes First 'Cautious' Steps Into New Forever Home
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
A rescue dog's nervous first few steps inside his new forever home have been captured on camera.
There was a time when Stephanie Ruocco, from western Massachusetts, probably would have never even contemplated bringing a dog into her home. "I wasn't exactly a dog person," Ruocco told Newsweek. "Honestly, dogs kind of scared me."
But that all changed the day she spotted a white German shepherd on a trail cam in an area of woodland that makes up part of the 12-acre property where Ruocco lives. "He was mangy-looking and bone-thin," she said. "I thought it was a coyote at first and posted the video on my Facebook community page."
Ruocco soon learned that the dog, who was called Ghost at the time, had been missing since late February and living in the woods. He had been gifted to a retired local resident but had quickly bolted from his new home. Ruocco reached out to the animal's former owner. Though she got a response, communication between them ultimately broke down.
Despite this, Ruocco was determined to help. She began leaving food and water out for the canine every day, and, every day, he came back for more.
There was something about this dog, whom she would ultimately rename CJ, that struck a chord for Ruocco. "When I first saw CJ, he was this terrified stray, dodging everyone in the woods," she said. "Something about his fear of people mirrored my own unease, and it hit me hard. I didn't have a grand plan to rescue him. I just wanted to make sure he was fed and strong enough to survive out there."
For two months, come rain or shine, she showed up with food and water. Something magical began to happen. "We started to trust each other," Ruocco said. "I'd get this little spark of excitement seeing him, and he began to look healthier, his tail wagging a bit more."
The bond that can form between an individual and their pup occupies a unique space. This much was highlighted by a study published in the journal Scientific Reports earlier this year; 717 dog owners were asked to rate their relationship with a pet, close relative, child, best friend and romantic partner in 13 key areas, including reliability, companionship and affection.
Dogs scored higher in areas like nurture and companionship compared to best friends or romantic partners. They also scored higher for affection, support and reliability compared to best friends or close relatives. Owners also reported minimal conflict with canines. While different from human relationships, the study identified some of what truly makes a dog "man's best friend."
Ruocco's bond with CJ truly began to crystalize when she started bringing him toys, as well as food and water. "His joy was infectious. I don't think he'd ever had anyone play with him before," she said. "It was just us, two unlikely friends, building trust."
From there, it was a slow but steady progression to the point where CJ felt ready to come into Ruocco's home. "Taking him in wasn't a decision I planned," she said. "It was one we sort of made together, day by day."
Ruocco met CJ on May 19. By July 1, he was taking his first tentative steps into her home, in a moment captured on camera and posted to TikTok under the handle @stephanieruocco.
While the caption on the video notes that CJ was initially "cautious" of his new surroundings, even in that brief moment, there is a sense he is already letting his guard down. That was a special moment.
Ruocco said: "Honestly, I was freaking out with excitement because it was such a big step for this scared stray." The reaction online was similarly emotive, with users left in tears at what they were watching.
At that stage, Ruocco was still planning to hand CJ over to a local dog shelter in the hopes of finding him a forever home. But then she realized something: he had already found one. "I started to feel protective," she said. "I wasn't OK with just handing him over without knowing he'd be safe and loved. That's when it hit me … we wanted to advocate for him and, ultimately, adopt him and care for him."
CJ has gone from strength to strength ever since. Ruocco was so determined to bring him home, she even paid $800 compensation to his previous owner, while CJ has also undergone K9 training. Today, he is a dog transformed.
"For a dog who spent so long in the woods, he's remarkably well-mannered and affectionate," Ruocco said. "You can see the relief in him now that he no longer has to worry about his next meal or watch his back."
