One dog’s journey into the unknown world of humans
By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends Staff 
Imagine the life of a dog who has lived all her days in a pen with other canines. The only human contact she has had was a person delivering food and water; no pets, not cuddles, no interaction at all. Then visualize that dog’s reaction the first time people actually come into her kennel, try to catch her, and remove her from the only world that she has ever known. Not surprisingly, her reaction was one of fear. However, what she did not realize is that these people were there to help her.
Noel (formerly Shirley) is one of the 145 dogs that were in need of homes in Gabbs, Nevada. While some have been placed in homes and rescues, approximately 90 more still need help. She was one of the few lucky dogs rescued by the Yerington Animal Shelter; however, a shelter environment is still not the best place to help socialize a dog who was literally living in a hole in the ground. A guardian angel must have been watching over this sweet girl when Ruth Tippets stepped into her life.
(Noel at the Yerington Animal Shelter)Tippets has worked with dogs for about 40 years, starting as a child at her mother’s kennel. Her love for dogs continued through the years and in November, she moved her boarding, doggie day care, and grooming facility,
Happy Tales Pet Resort into a new building. The transition required all her time, so she was not able to digest the e-mails her mother, who now runs the Yerington Animal Shelter, sent her about the Gabbs dog rescue. With the re-opening behind her, she looked through her messages, and says, “When I saw Noel’s picture, something just clicked. I have the ability and she needs me.”
So began the experience that will change both of their lives. “She’s so scared; she acts like human touch hurts her. It’s so sad.” Due to Noel’s lack of interaction with humans, she does not know how to behave, so instinct tells her to freeze or to hide in a corner. Even a much needed bath had to be delayed, because she is “not ready for that kind of handling.”
Though she has quickly learned to not chew a leash, Noel is still not familiar with walking on a lead. Tippets has decided that Noel will remain at the shop until accustomed to a leash, to prevent any potential escape attempts. Once that happens, Noel will remain by her side 24/7, to earn her trust and teach her that humans are not to be feared.
Incredibly, after only one day, Tippets already sees small signs of improvement. Initially, Noel would “roll up like a little pill bug” into a fetal position or lie stiff and straight, tense like a coiled spring ready to launch. Now she has begun to calm down, lying in a normal relaxed dog position. She says even the look in Noel’s eyes has softened. Small, but steady progress is what it will take.
Because of her border collie heritage, Tippets envisions Noel as a herding or agility dog. “I believe she should have a job and be a working dog for someone. I want to take her as far as she can go. I’m not concerned with how long it takes.” Once she has graduated from foster care, Tippets would like Noel to be a model example of the potential for each of the Gabbs dogs. She will keep a journal as Noel transforms from a frightened dog living in a dirt hole to a confident and well-rounded companion.
“I want to bring awareness to the problem and what we can do to help.” Tippets’ goal is to get people to realize that if it can be done with an extreme case like Noel, “You don’t have to be a dog handler to pitch in and get these dogs out of this situation.”
Please stay tuned for additional updates on their progress.
(Noel, attempting to hide)How you can help:• While Noel now has a home to foster her until she is ready for adoption, there are still approximately 90 additional dogs that remain in Gabbs, Nevada, awaiting rescue. Like Ruth Tippets, please consider fostering and socializing another Gabbs dog to help make him or her more adoptable into a forever home.
• Adopt a
Yerington Animal Shelter dog. Every dog that finds a new home opens kennel space, creating an opportunity to save another animal.
For more information: •
Yerington Animal Shelter217 Trowbridge
Yerington, Nevada 89447
Phone: 775-463-6578
Photo credits: provided courtesy of Ruth Tippets and Yerington Animal Shelter.