The Stubborn Bulldog: Resilience for a Dog Living in Shelter

Abstract Callie, a 2-year-old bulldog, came into the shelter after spending her life outdoors as a “yard dog.” When she first arrived, staff noticed that she was hesitant to leave her kennel and often stopped during walks, pulling staff back towards the kennel. While dogs like Callie are often labelled as stubborn, her behaviour was more likely a reflection of fear and uncertainty resulting from her limited early experiences. After careful assessment, the team created a personalised plan to help Callie build confidence and resilience using the Resilience Framework developed by Bobbie Bhambree and Dr Kathy Murphy. This approach focuses on seven key components designed to holistically support emotional and behavioural well-being. Callie’s care team came together to brainstorm ideas and develop a plan tailored to her individual needs. Gradually, positive changes were seen, Callie’s confidence grew, and she was better able to navigate her environment. She started playing and engaging with handlers, enjoying her walks, and approaching life with a more positive outlook. Although Callie’s behaviour improved significantly, underlying medical issues emerged that, unfortunately, could not be resolved. While the outcome was not what the team had hoped for, the dedication and compassion invested in her care allowed Callie to thrive in the challenging shelter environment, something that had once seemed impossible. Information © The Author 2026