It’s always heartbreaking when sweet, loving dogs find themselves in shelters because their families can no longer care for them. The saddest part is, these pups don’t understand why it’s happening.
In their minds, they must have done something wrong to deserve it, a thought that can easily lead to sadness or even depression.
That’s exactly what happened to Brisby, a gentle pup whose life turned upside down when his owner in Texas surrendered him. She was expecting a baby and felt she could no longer manage having a dog.
Even so, Brisby’s story didn’t end in despair. His journey took a turn that would eventually bring him to someone truly special.
Brisby’s New Chance At Happiness
After spending a short time in a Texas shelter, a volunteer offered to foster Brisby in Florida. He stayed there for about a month before being moved again, this time to a foster home in Seattle.
It was there that his adoption challenges began to surface. Brisby had some behavioral quirks that made potential adopters hesitant.
Lauren told GeoBeats Animals: “Unfortunately, he had some behavioral issues. I think they tried to get something out of his mouth and he snapped at them.”
Incidents like that can be a big obstacle for dogs searching for forever homes. Brisby was then placed in a California training facility, where a dedicated trainer named Diana worked tirelessly to help him improve.
As his story began to spread, it caught the attention of a kind-hearted woman named Lauren, who felt a connection and decided to give him the chance he so badly needed.
Brisby Finds His Forever Family
Lauren’s adoption application was quickly approved. Since she lived in Northern Virginia, she flew to California to bring Brisby home.
From the moment he arrived, his life began to change. Lauren shared: “When we first got him, my husband and I took it really slow.”
When they tossed a ball for him for the very first time, his joy was unmistakable. He finally had someone to play with, and it showed.
Lauren noticed something unusual, Brisby’s paws were shaped oddly, causing his nails to grow faster. He didn’t like anyone touching them.
She explained: “When we take him to the vet to get his nails trimmed, they do have to fully sedate him in order to get that done which is about once a month.”
She also realized that Brisby flinches whenever something is thrown near him, even if it’s just a toy, a mystery they still haven’t solved.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Children adore Brisby, but because of his quirks, Lauren has to be cautious about letting them pet him. Still, he generally gets along well with people and with the other dogs in the house.
Brisby struggles with separation anxiety, so his family is helping him adjust through patience, medication, and gentle training. They’re determined to help him feel safe even when they’re not around.
Despite everything, Lauren is beyond grateful for Brisby. She can’t imagine life without him.
In her words: “He is a really good dog. He wants to be a good dog, we just have to work around his quirks for sure.”
Thanks to her love and dedication, Brisby finally knows what it’s like to be truly home.