When we bring a dog into our home and embrace them as part of the family, we vow to love and protect them through all of life’s ups and downs. For our pups, this promise means safety and belonging, a sense that they finally have their place in the world.
Sadly, not all owners think carefully before committing, and when reality sets in, some dogs end up abandoned, confused, and heartbroken.
Drake, a gentle and loyal boy, faced one of the greatest losses of his life when his family surrendered him to Prince George’s County Animal Shelter in Maryland because they no longer had time for him. The faithful dog could not understand why the home he loved so much was suddenly gone.
A Rescue Team Intervenes
The staff and volunteers at the shelter tried their best to ease Drake’s pain. They comforted him with hugs and affection, helping him feel a little less alone.
Ilona, a longtime volunteer and foster for different rescues, vividly remembers meeting Drake for the first time.
“The first thing that caught my eye about him was how he looks. He’s got that big old head and a big grin and this muscly little body,” Ilona told GeoBeats Animals.
Drake adored his shelter friends, always wagging his tail and flashing his big smile whenever they came near.
But there was another problem. Prince George’s County has a ban on Pit Bulls, which meant Drake could not be adopted there. In a crowded shelter, that put him at high risk of euthanasia simply to make room for other incoming dogs.
When his name appeared on the euthanasia list, one staff member knew action had to be taken quickly.
They contacted Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue, hoping they would agree to save him. Thankfully, the rescue stepped in and pulled Drake to safety.
After a short stay at a temporary foster home, he was placed with a full-time foster family. Sadly, due to a sudden family emergency, they could not keep him long, and Drake had to be moved back to his temporary foster home once again.
Another Heartbreak For Drake
Not long after, the rescue received news that seemed like a dream come true. A family wanted to adopt Drake. The sweet pup was thrilled and so happy to finally be chosen.
Unfortunately, things did not work out. Their resident dog refused to accept Drake, and within just three weeks, he was returned to the rescue.
Back once more without a permanent home, Drake began showing signs of stress and anxiety. What he needed most was a stable foster who could give him love and reassurance until the right family came along.
That’s when the rescue turned to Ilona. They explained that Drake had been surrendered again and asked if she could take him in.
A Foster Family’s Love
Ilona and her husband agreed to give Drake a chance. Although they had their own dog, Honey Pie, and a baby at home, they were determined to make it work.
When Drake first arrived, he was unsure and under-socialized. To support him, the rescue reached out to the founder of Dog Latin Dog Training and Behavior Consulting, ensuring that he would receive expert help for his anxiety.
With consistent training and plenty of affection from his foster family, Drake slowly started to relax. His confidence grew, and he learned to trust again.
Honey Pie became his role model, and Drake often copied her behavior. The two quickly formed a close bond, going on walks together and sharing playtime.
Drake’s affectionate side shone through as he showered his foster family with kisses.
“He really loves my husband, which is great. Then he loves our baby so much. They have an incredible bond,” Ilona added.
One of his favorite moments is sitting patiently under his little foster sister’s high chair, waiting while she feeds him bits of food.
Still Waiting For Forever
Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue later announced that Drake had been transferred to Laila’s Legacy Animal Rescue. Despite the transfer, Drake continued living with Ilona and her family, who cherish every moment with him.
“Drake, I love every moment with you. And in so many ways, you’ve made me a better foster mom and a better person from spending time with you,” Ilona said.
Although they adore Drake, Ilona and her husband know their calling is to foster more dogs in need. They believe that keeping him would prevent them from helping others, no matter how much they love him.
Now, everyone is hoping that this sweet Maryland boy will finally find a forever family who will never give up on him. In return, Drake will give them all the love and loyalty he has been saving in his big, affectionate heart.