Cortez Rescue & Outreach

Honey’s Story

Honey lived alone for years in a small, remote town. It was a life she chose, or perhaps one she felt she had no choice but to accept. No one knows what she experienced before, but it was clear she didn’t trust people. Locals would leave food and water for her, quietly caring from a distance, and that’s how she survived—for at least two years.

Then one day, everything changed.

Someone noticed that Honey had either just had puppies or was about to. After days of searching, her den was finally discovered. Inside were nine puppies. Six were clearly hers, while three were older, different, and likely abandoned. But to Honey, it didn’t matter. She fed them, protected them, and loved them all the same.

A plan was made to rescue the puppies, but Honey would need to be trapped. In February 2024, she and her pups were brought to a foster home where she could safely raise them. She was underweight, exhausted, and deeply unsure of humans.

Despite everything, she was an incredible mother.

She kept her puppies close, choosing open space over the cozy setup prepared for her. She allowed people to be nearby and would even wag her tail when they entered. Occasionally, she would gently “boop” them with her nose, but she never allowed touch. Trust was still just out of reach.

When her puppies were weaned, Honey was moved to the rescue. It was another difficult transition, and once again she had to be trapped. At the rescue, she greeted people with a wagging tail, always from a distance. She even became a surrogate mom to orphaned puppies, nursing and caring for them as if they were her own.

Volunteers spent hours sitting quietly with her, speaking softly and offering treats. Over time, she began to take them from their hands. It was a small but meaningful step forward.

Still, life in the shelter wasn’t what Honey wanted.

She cried and howled for much of the day, even when people were nearby. It became clear that she wasn’t at peace, and a difficult decision was made to return her to the place she once called home. She was safely transported back and released, with plans for locals to once again provide food and water.

But no one saw her.

Until about a week later.

Honey was spotted behind the fence line of the rescue.

She had traveled more than ten miles through rough terrain and mountains to return. Somehow, she found her way back.

Back to safety. Back to familiarity. Back to us.

At first, she stayed on the outside of the fence. Staff lowered food and water to her while continuing to build trust from a distance. Weeks passed. Then someone came up with an idea—a play yard set up along the fence line, with a kennel inside and a small opening cut into the fence.

A few days later, Honey was spotted inside the kennel.

She had come through on her own.

No one could approach her without risking her retreat, so a volunteer waited patiently. Slowly, cautiously, Honey stepped out of the kennel and into the play yard. Every movement was careful, as if she expected the ground to shift beneath her. When she had moved far enough away, the volunteer quietly closed the kennel door.

This time, she was safe.

Honey was allowed to stay in that play yard, where she had space and freedom without feeling confined. She thrived in this environment. She played with the other dogs, formed friendships, and once again became a nurturing presence for younger pups. She gently corrected them when needed and showed them affection, just as she always had.

Volunteers continued to spend time with her, sitting quietly and allowing her to approach on her own terms. They made themselves small—crouching down, avoiding direct eye contact, and speaking softly.

Then one day, Honey began to give kisses.

Small, gentle, cautious kisses.

It was the first real breakthrough.

Over time, she came closer and closer. Months passed before anyone was able to touch her, but eventually, she did something extraordinary. She lay down and exposed her belly, allowing a volunteer to pet her for the very first time.

From that moment on, everything began to change.

Honey grew more affectionate with each passing day. She started to seek out attention and welcomed gentle touch from more and more people. For the first time, she seemed truly at ease.

Still, one challenge remained.

Honey refused to go on walks or accept a leash. Without that, her world would remain limited to the shelter. It was clear that forcing her would only set her back, so the team chose patience once again.

They let it be her idea.

While the other dogs were taken out for walks, one volunteer would stay behind to spend time with Honey. Day after day, they worked together quietly, building trust. It took months, but eventually, Honey was ready.

She took her first steps on a leash.

It was an emotional moment—one that brought tears to those who had watched her journey from the beginning.

Today, Honey continues to make incredible progress. She walks with confidence, responds to gentle guidance, and even climbs into the laps of those she trusts, seeking affection and connection.

Her journey is one of resilience, courage, and transformation.

From a feral, untouchable dog to a loving, affectionate companion, Honey has shown what’s possible with patience, understanding, and time.

Her next chapter is just beginning—longer walks, deeper trust, and, hopefully, a forever home.

And somewhere out there is the person she’s been waiting for all along.

Thank you, Honey, for your incredible courage and loyalty.
We know your perfect home is out there—and it will be worth every step of the journey.