{"id":3001,"date":"2023-09-01T16:58:19","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T21:58:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hopefultailsanimalrescue.org\/?p=3001"},"modified":"2023-09-01T18:34:15","modified_gmt":"2023-09-01T23:34:15","slug":"a-tail-of-transformation-mojos-adoption-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hopefultailsanimalrescue.org\/a-tail-of-transformation-mojos-adoption-story\/","title":{"rendered":"A Tail of Transformation | Mojo\u2019s Adoption Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you enjoy our latest Tail of Hope. Be sure to follow us on social media to learn about newly published adoption stories and to read heartwarming bios of dogs available for adoption.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

For this Tail of Hope, we had the chance to speak with Mojo\u2019s parents, Teigan and Trevor, to learn about their life with Mojo and how he\u2019s worked to put his past behind him to live more confidently.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Saved From the South<\/b><\/p>\n

Mojo\u2019s story begins in Arkansas. He and his brother were surrendered to <\/span>KL Animal Rescue<\/span><\/a> in Cedarville, Arkansas. In early October 2022, Hopeful Tails stepped in to transfer them up north so that they could have the opportunity to find their forever homes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For a short while, Mojo, about ten months old at the time, stayed in a Hopeful Tails foster home, but luckily, he would not need to wait for long before his forever family found him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Forever Family Found<\/b><\/p>\n

Enter Teigan and Trevor. The couple was searching for a friend for their dog, Bama, and didn\u2019t have a specific type of companion in mind, just one that was a little bit grown as their lifestyle wouldn\u2019t be fit for the demands of a puppy.<\/span><\/p>\n

They searched online and happened upon Mojo\u2019s photos from Hopeful Tails. \u201cWe kept talking about how cute he looked in each of his photos, and we knew we had to meet him,\u201d Teigan shared. So, they decided to stop by later that week during Hopeful Tails’ regular Friday open viewing from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the rescue\u2019s building in Joliet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mojo captured their hearts, even though he was scared. Teigan described that night: “He hid under the desk and wouldn\u2019t come up to either of us. We could tell he was terrified. Even in the play area, getting him to come to either of us was tough. But we saw something special in him and applied for him that night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mojo\u2019s Gotcha Day was November 25, 2022. He had found his forever family! But his story was just beginning. Mojo, with the love and unconditional support of his new parents, was about to embark on a journey of transformation and work hard to overcome his past wounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Embarking On A Journey of Healing<\/b><\/p>\n

That first night Teigan and Trevor brought Mojo home was challenging. He was anxious, didn\u2019t want to eat, and couldn\u2019t sleep. While distressing for his new parents, they understood that Mojo needed ample time to adjust. After all, his environment was completely different from the street and shelter life that, until now, was all he knew.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teigan laid beside Mojo on the floor to help calm and comfort him. She also took a gentle approach to feeding him directly from her hand. That night solidified Mojo\u2019s bond with his new mom. \u201cHe has trusted me since that night and we share an amazing bond. He was scared of everyone but me at that point,\u201d Teigan said.<\/span><\/p>\n

The couple quickly sensed that Mojo likely had a traumatic experience with a male at some point during his young life because he would bark and growl at men, and displayed those behaviors especially toward Trevor. Mojo would run away from his new dad, be scared to go outside with him, and didn\u2019t want to be fed meals by him, either.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The world outside of his new home seemed scary, too. Teigan noted Mojo would always have his tail tucked when they took him out of the house and he would sometimes shake. He was very fearful of meeting new people and just wanted to stick by his mom\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

The couple wanted to help Mojo feel more comfortable and secure in his daily life, so they signed him up for classes through Petsmart. After just one class, Mojo displayed a small level of trust with Trevor, which was heartening to see. Outside of class, Teigan and Trevor worked with Mojo at home using the tips their helpful trainer provided. Teigan noted that Trevor showed incredible patience and love for Mojo to help him feel like he can trust him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With each class that followed, Mojo grew in his confidence, comfort around other dogs (especially his friends in class), and overall trust in humans. He was no longer hiding under stools and became excited to go into Petsmart, socializing with other dogs and doing tricks for his trainer, Bobbie. \u201cEveryone in class was so amazed and proud of Mojo,\u201d Teigan said, \u201cWe started bringing him everywhere with us, along with Bama, to help him socialize more and continue building trust with other people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

An Incredible Transformation<\/b><\/p>\n

Today, Mojo is somewhat of a social butterfly \u2013 a complete 180 degree change in a matter of months. He loves attention and thoroughly enjoys going up to people at the dog park to get pets. He also loves to cuddle with his dad and enjoys playing with him in the backyard. They even have a special \u201chigh-five\u201d that they share together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The couple is still working on getting Mojo completely comfortable with going outside for his dad, though, but are sure that will come in time. Teigan and Trevor work with Mojo every day in order to continue building his confidence.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Bright and Happy Future<\/b><\/p>\n

When asked what they love most about Mojo, Teigan had this to share \u2013 \u201cIt would have to be his love for all other animals. He loves making new friends with any animal. He even sits at our rats\u2019 cages whining because he genuinely wants to meet them. And when he sees a dog he knows, major wiggle butt kicks in. Mojo has such a sweet soul and that extends to people now, too. He is so gentle, cuddly, and loving.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mojo isn\u2019t afraid to ask for affection, either. He loves to nudge if he wants to be pet and flops onto his mom and dad, letting them know when he wants to cuddle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, in his new life and newly found confidence, Mojo\u2019s typical day includes lots of cuddles and pets, playtime with his sister, Bama, running around outside or going for walks, and watching dog TV. But Teigan and Trevor think his favorite activity is probably visiting Cherry Bomb for ice cream pup cups.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Teigan\u2019s Advice For Future Adopters<\/b><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes the shy\/anxious dog turns out to be the most loving\/best dog for you,\u201d Teigan shared. \u201cIt takes time, patience, and lots of love to show a traumatized dog that there are safe people and that they can live a life free of fear and full of love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

She added, \u201cDon\u2019t judge dogs based on their behavior at a shelter or rescue. They are different in a home environment, especially when consistent training and effort is invested to help them adapt and grow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMojo has been such a blessing, and he is living proof that no matter what traumas you go through, you can still learn to love and trust others. You can overcome anything and everything.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mojo loves his new life, having worked hard to overcome his past, and lives it to the fullest with Teigan, Trevor and Bama.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are interested in adopting a Hopeful Tails dog, please <\/span><\/i>visit our adoption page<\/span><\/i><\/a> for more information or email <\/span><\/i>hopefultailsadoptions@outlook.com<\/span><\/i><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n