Greta and Renly, two young German Shepherd dogs, were among 93 animals rescued from a Columbia, PA hoarding case in April. They were found with dozens of other dogs, cats, and rabbits living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.
They arrived at Animal Welfare Association on April 30, 2026 after the Pennsylvania SPCA asked local shelters for help. Their rescue started a new chapter. This chapter is about healing, compassion, and finding safety and love for the first time.
While the rescue made headlines for the number of animals involved, every one of those dogs had an individual story.
This is Greta and Renly's.
Where their story begins
A concerned citizen alerted the Pennsylvania SPCA to this case. The floors were covered in feces and waste. Many animals, like Greta and Renly, were stuck in dirty crates. Their water was also tainted with excrement. Officers saw dogs with severe matting, hair loss, scabs, and other signs of long-term neglect.
When Renly and Greta arrived at AWA, their condition told the painful story of the lives they had been forced to live. Their fur was so severely matted and caked with excrement that both dogs had to be completely shaved. Painful skin infections covered their bodies after spending so much time lying in urine-soaked crates. Their muscles were weak from confinement which led to potential musculoskeletal issues as well.
Perhaps most heartbreaking were the marks worn into Renly’s teeth, evidence of his desperate attempts to gnaw his way out of his crate. At just two years old, Renly should weigh close to 75 pounds, yet he arrived weighing only 46. Greta, only one year old, was also dangerously underweight.
Both dogs were also under-socialized from spending most of their short lives in a crate without much or any human interaction. They were not aware that people could be kind and loving, and that many of us just wanted to help. Both dogs came in very shy and fearful – Tails tucked, keeping their distance from people.
The hardest part of rescue isn't always getting animals out. It's helping them believe they're finally safe.
Greta's Transformation: From Fearful to Hopeful
When Greta came to AWA, she hadn't socialized much and had few positive experiences with people. In her initial behavior assessment, she was hesitant to approach. Her tail was tucked, and she stayed alert. She often tried to move away from unfamiliar people and situations. Sudden noises startled her easily, and new environments were overwhelming. She tolerated gentle handling, but she was always on the lookout for danger.
In the early days, even simple sounds made Greta anxious. The creak of cabinet doors, footsteps in the hallway, or noises from the pet kitchen would send her retreating and tucking her tail. What stood out to the behavior team, however, was that she recovered quickly. Even when surprised, she still took treats. She stayed curious about her surroundings and often chose to interact with people. That willingness to come back, investigate, and try again became the foundation of her progress.
Over the following weeks, Greta participated in a structured socialization and desensitization program. Staff members spent time with her in the behavior office. They gradually exposed her to strangers, loud sounds, household items, crates, stairs, and other new things. Rather than forcing interactions, the team allowed Greta to move at her own pace and rewarded every sign of confidence. She started approaching people for treats. She accepted petting with a relaxed body and a soft tail wag. She explored the room on her own and soon began to play.
One particularly meaningful milestone was her response to a crate. Given her history of being found in feces-laden crate conditions, staff carefully observed how she would react. Greta chose to enter and exit the crate by herself. She explored it freely and enjoyed treats inside. This showed she was starting to separate her past from her present.
As her confidence grew, Greta’s personality started to emerge. She got playful with familiar staff. She offered play bows, pawed for attention, and leaned into people. She also engaged with toys and stuffed animals. She started exploring tougher areas. This included the front lobby, development area, trails, play yards, and later, playgroups with other dogs. On walks, she moved with a loose, curious body. She explored new sights and smells. She also handled unexpected noises without shutting down. Staff observed that sounds, like filing cabinets closing forcefully, used to prompt quick retreat. Now, they cause little to no reaction.
By the time of her most recent assessment, Greta’s behavior had changed dramatically. She greeted assessors with a loose wiggly body, soft sweeping tail wag, and relaxed expression. She took part in handling exercises and joined games. She approached staff in the lobby and learned recall while waiting in line. She enjoyed training on the trails and actively participated in playgroups. She is still careful with new people or places. However, she quickly bounces back and looks for connection instead of avoiding them.
Greta’s journey is a testament to the amount of work she has put in herself. She arrived as a frightened dog who did not know what to expect from the world. With patience and positive reinforcement, she has become a dog who can play, learn, explore, and enjoy being around people and other dogs. Each small, brave choice helped her grow. The fearful shepherd who once watched from afar is now a curious, loving young dog. She’s ready for a family that will support her as she takes the next step in her journey.
Renly's Transformation: Discovering the World with Confidence
From the moment Renly arrived at AWA, there were glimpses of the confident, affectionate dog waiting beneath the surface. Even without many normal life experiences, he approached people with a relaxed body, a wagging tail, and real curiosity. He was easily startled by unfamiliar sights and sounds, but what impressed the behavior team most was how quickly he recovered. Instead of shutting down, Renly kept investigating, accepting treats, and exploring.
Early in his stay, Renly eagerly left his kennel, sought out affection, and greeted staff with a loose, wiggly body. Time in the behavior office showed a smart, social dog. He loved food puzzles and enjoyed training sessions. He quickly learned to trust people. He happily approached new staff for treats. He accepted gentle handling with ease. Then, he started playing with his caregivers. He even made fun vocal sounds and bounced around in excitement.
Outside the comfort of the behavior office, however, the world was still a little overwhelming. On one of his first walks, Renly felt nervous in a strange hallway. He briefly panicked when someone asked him to climb the stairs. The behavior team chose not to push him too hard. Instead, they gave him time and support. They helped him return to familiar spaces. This way, he could regain his confidence before trying again another day.
As part of his recovery, Renly received specialized physical rehabilitation at PetPT, located within Haven Animal Health Services. Dogs rescued from neglect often have weak muscles and poor body condition. They may also struggle with different surfaces and movements. So, his therapy focused on building strength, balance, and confidence. These sessions supported the work at AWA. They helped him feel more at ease with his body. Also, they showed him that new experiences can be positive and rewarding.
That patience and support paid off.
As the weeks passed, Renly's world grew steadily larger. He explored the wooded trails around AWA. He confidently navigated stairs he once feared. He met new employees with a wagging tail. He also learned recall on a long line, showing obvious enthusiasm. Staff slowly introduced him to daily household tasks. These included moving furniture, opening cabinets, and hearing hammering noises. He also learned about ladders, vehicles, and agility equipment. Plus, he even wore a bandana for photos. Renly faced each new challenge with a strong desire to learn. He also showed impressive resilience, quickly adjusting to situations that once surprised him. The physical therapy exercises helped him get stronger. Enrichment and positive reinforcement boosted his confidence. Now, he feels better exploring his surroundings.
One of the most rewarding milestones was watching Renly become a role model for Greta. As he gained confidence, the behavior staff noticed he was often "one step ahead" in his progress. This helped show Greta that new people, places, and experiences could be safe. The pair enjoyed playgroups together, engaged in balanced, joyful play, and explored the trails side by side. Renly's growing confidence became an important part of Greta's own journey.
When Renly was ready for adoption, he had become a playful and friendly young German Shepherd. He greeted staff with joyful spins and big tail wags. He loved learning new skills. He enjoyed enrichment activities and sought human interaction. He approached unfamiliar people with curiosity, not hesitation. He still enjoyed gentle introductions to new places. However, he had built the confidence and resilience to take on life's adventures.
Today, Renly's journey goes on in his forever home. He has embraced family life with the same joy he showed during his recovery. The scared young dog who once feared new hallways now explores and enjoys life. He learns daily and feels the love and safety every dog deserves. His story is a reminder that healing is rarely the result of a single moment. It is built through hundreds of small victories, compassionate people, and the willingness of a resilient dog to trust again.
Where are they now?
Renly was lucky enough to find a new home right away and was adopted in June 2026. He went to a home with 3 other dogs, including AWA alumni Calliope and Jackie Thunder, where he made himself quickly at home. He loves to run around a play in his new large back yard or relax on the couch with his friends. He also has an occasional playdate with AWA alumnus Nolan. He loves to play in the water, likely a byproduct of his water therapy treatments, or singing along with his husky housemates. He has been a welcome addition to his new family.
Greta followed not long after, officially being adopted in August 2026. She went to a home with another German Shepherd dog, from whom she can hopefully continue to learn how to be a carefree dog who no longer needs to be scared of the world.
Through it all Greta and Renly found what they had never known before—a safe place to heal, dedicated medical care, and people who refused to give up on them. Unfortunately there will be more animals who require this level of care and understanding, and we will be there to help.
If you would like to help us continue providing this care, please consider making a life-saving donation. Any little bit helps make a difference in the lives of these amazing animals.
