Meet Gaten!
Gaten (A589349) was found running loose by residents of a neighborhood for over two weeks, and the entire time he was avoidant and even a little aggressive. He had started to lose weight, and people who saw him were concerned for his safety. Eventually one of the residents was able to confine him and bring him to us.
Needless to say, when he arrived, Gaten was not the friendliest dog. Avoidant and fearful, he was extremely difficult to handle and we worried he would not come around. Day after day, our staff tried to get him out, to get him socialized and get him acclimated. And day after day, he got just a little bit better than the last. It’s hard to give up on a dog that fights his nature to accept a little bit of love. With every treat and every touch, Gaten opened up a little bit of his heart. Now, just a little more than a month later, he is a completely different dog. Gaten has come a long way, but still has a little more to go. But the amazing part is, his heart is now completely in it. Gaten wants to find his person. Let’s get him home.
Orange County Animal Services is located at 2769 Conroy Road in Orlando, near the Mall at Millenia. The shelter is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. every day except Wednesday, when it’s open 2-6 p.m. For more information, please call 407-836-3111 or visit ocnetpets.com.
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This article appears in Feb. 18-24, 2026.