Unexpected Treat Brings 'Nervous' Rescue Greyhound out of Her Shell

An unusual snack has helped bring a rescue greyhound out of her shell thanks to the quick thinking of staff at a rescue center.

"She was bred for the racing industry but only trialed—probably deemed too nervous for the full race environment," Sabina Dunkling, the rehoming center manager at Greyhound Rescue Wales, U.K., told Newsweek. "She came to us as [we have a] much quieter kennel environment to help her develop confidence."

When she arrived at the center, the staff quickly discovered she had an incredibly nervous disposition—particularly around humans.

But it is a delightful revelation in the form of a can of squeezy cheese that has helped bring Lexi out of her shell.

"Squeezy cheese is just a gateway to ensure Lexi has good experience around humans," said Dunkling. "It's a primary reinforcer which means it's something a dog intrinsically likes (food). We build the association that human is equal to good stuff."

As well as being calming in itself, licking squeezing cheese helps release endorphins that make Lexi feel better about her surroundings.

"It's also helpful because when dogs are nervous, like humans, their mouths dry up, making normal treats a choking hazard," said Dunkling.

Since being at the rescue, and with some help from the cheesy treat, Lexi's progress has been remarkable. She has transitioned from a timid pup who preferred to stay in her kennel to joining her kennel companion for walks in the onsite field and even spending time in a household environment. The staff now notice her peeking out of her kennel, eagerly anticipating the return of her cheese-bearing friends, a far cry from the scared and reserved Lexi they first met.

Greyhound Rescue Wales is the rescue and rehoming charity for greyhounds and lurchers in Wales. From a small group of volunteers in 1993 they have grown significantly and now rehome dogs in need almost every three days.

The rescue shared Lexi and her squeezy cheese treat on their TikTok page @greyhoundrescue_wales. In the comments, people shared their reactions to the adorable footage.

"She has the most beautifully soulful eyes," said Zakana. Jasmin Susan Black said: "She is gorgeous bless your hearts taking care of her."

Shelleycopella added: "Oh she's the sweetest."

Since building a positive association between people and good things happening, the team has high hopes for Lexi's future.

"We will try to find Lexi a suitable adopter or foster home to help her progress further," Dunkling said, emphasizing the rescue's commitment to securing a loving home for the adorable greyhound.

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