12/19/2023
Brian's story has finally come to an incredible conclusion.
Brian came to us last summer. His story began as a stray intake to a overcrowded, underfunded, overwhelmed rural South Carolina shelter -- One that at the time was stretched so thin, Brian lived out in the play yard and had no indoor housing.
He came out of his shell in the shelter, and was a happy and playful boy, but after transporting him to rescue, he reverted back to the nervous, shy, guarded boy that he was when he was first brought in.
It took several months to get Brian comfortable with us, and with happy indoor dog life. Once he was comfortable with us, he was ready to move on to an adoptive home -- However, everything new was scary, and he remained guarded during meets and adoption events.
He was adopted, then returned several weeks later because he was nervous of strangers who came into the home, and he had nowhere safe to retreat.
He went into a foster-to-adopt, and was returned after less than 48 hours because the foster thought he ate a toy and fearing a serious medical emergency, realized she was not ready to own a new dog.
Each time he returned to us, he became a little less trusting, and a little more guarded. We have been looking for his perfect home now for over a year, waiting, knowing the right family would come along and have the patience and understanding to meet Brian's needs.
This past weekend, we brought Brian to an adoption event. Despite his nervousness, his guarded demeanor, wanting to stay by us or in his crate most of the time, Brian's family found him, chose him, and dedicated themselves to his special, wonderful personality.
This sweet little family has poured everything they have into meeting Brian halfway -- Providing him with the calm, patient, supportive love he needs to know he's safe, and for keeps this time. They baby talk to him the way I suggested. They are gentle and sweet and kind. Most importantly, they have given him a crate -- A safe haven where he can go when he's nervous or stressed or scared, so he doesn't have to panic every time a stranger comes into the house.
We have cried many happy tears over the past couple of days, celebrating this huge win for Brian and his new people. It will take time for him to get fully comfortable, but we're told he played fetch with the kids today, and that he has chosen the couch as his favorite place.
Please keep Brian in your thoughts -- Positive energies, that he will see he is safe and trust his new people, and live many incredible years as a spoiled, happy house dog.
