07/22/2026
Last week, we celebrated Capone’s 11th birthday.
While he enjoyed all of his favorite things, surrounded by people who love him, we couldn’t help but think about all the years before LTA; the nine years of his life before finding his way to us.
Almost 5 years ago, Capone was e-listed at a local shelter. We helped transfer him to another rescue, hoping it would be the beginning of a better life. Instead, he spent nearly two years living mostly in a kennel.
When that rescue shut down in 2024, Capone was abandoned as a stray, and found himself back in the shelter system once again. Because we were still tied to his microchip from all those years ago, we got the call asking if we could help him.
There was never any question. We were on our way to pick him up within minutes.
The months that followed were probably some of his hardest yet. For a dog who spent most of his life being invisible, Capone had to learn how to trust, interact with the world, and how to just *be*.
Since then, he’s experienced so many firsts and has made more progress than we ever could have imagined.
He’s professionally trained, he LOVES car rides, long walks, playing tug, and even bath time. He’s silly, playful, affectionate in his own way, and forms incredibly deep bonds with his people.
After years on his own, Capone isn’t the kind of dog who loves everyone right away. And we don’t expect him to. He’s hesitant with new people and would do best in an adult-only home as the only pet. But once you’re his person, you’re his WHOLE world.
And while he always has a home here, he should get to experience a home of his very own.
Our birthday wish for Capone is just that. We know it’s “ambitious.” We know people aren’t lining up to adopt or foster a senior dog who needs a little extra patience (and daily thyroid medication). But we will never stop looking, because Capone deserves to spend his golden years being someone’s everything - not waiting for someone to see what we already know.
Happy 11th, Pony Boy. You are so loved. 🤎
