Gilbert the dog has come a long way from his original birth place, South Korea. Although he's flown over mountains and seas, he has never experienced the feeling of soft grass beneath his paws.
The poor pup was born and raised in a crowded cage, left to languish there for most of his life. Until arriving at the SPCA of Texas, he had never felt the touch of a caring hand.
The first day Gilbert was let out of his cage, he didn't know what to do. He had never witnessed human kindness before, and he froze up.
The SPCA employees tried to put a leash on him to take him for a walk outside which, of course, he had never done before. He just laid down and looked at his rescuers with confusion and fear in his eyes.
The team came up with a plan. They would wheel Gilbert outside to let him get his first taste of freedom. His reaction made for one incredible moment for his rescuers.
LittleThings spoke to the amazing people at the SPCA of Texas to find out how Gilbert is adjusting to his new life in the United States.
Scroll through below for Gilbert's story, and let us know what you think of this dog's journey in the comments!
The SPCA of Texas, where Gilbert currently resides, is a participant in The Humane Society Emergency Placement Partner program.
Gilbert is one of six dogs that was rescued from a farm in South Korea and brought over to the United States to begin a new life.
Gilbert and his friends first arrived to the SPCA of Texas on May 3rd, after midnight. The dogs were, understandably, frightened and confused.
"They were in a tremendous amount of shock," explained Victoria Albrecht, communications manager for the SPCA of Texas. "It's a huge change for these animals."
The only life these dogs had ever known was one of solitude.
Each day, they had languished in a cage without a hint of human compassion.
Fortunately, the SPCA of Texas has a mission to rehabilitate these animals and prepare them for a future full of love.
The first step in rehabilitating Gilbert was allowing him to go outside for the first time.
"Getting him outside, letting him see what grass is for the first time and sit in the sunshine. Letting him take it all in. That may not sound huge to us, but for Gilbert, it's such a change. It's so impactful," said Albrecht.
Gilbert was so frightened of his handlers, he just laid on the ground and looked at them with fear in his eyes.
The brilliant volunteers came up with a solution.
They would cart Gilbert outdoors to show him they truly meant him no harm.
Slowly, Gilbert has begun to open up.
"You've got to show them that love is an option, trust is an option," Albrecht explained to LittleThings.
"These dogs were never exposed to any of that."
"Our volunteers are the heartbeat of our organization. They have spent so much time with Gilbert and his friends. The time they spend with them is a huge, helpful stride and part of their rehabilitation," said Albrecht.
Thanks to these incredible workers, Gilbert has the chance to breathe fresh air and dig his paws into some green grass.
Finally, Gilbert got the happy ending he deserves!
And they can't wait for the day that Gilbert and his pals are ready for their forever homes with loving families.
If you'd like to keep up with Gilbert's progress or help out, visit the SPCA of Texas' Facebook page, or make a donation on their website!
Let us know what you think of Gilbert's incredible journey all the way from South Korea in the comments, and don't forget to SHARE with the dog lovers in your life!
