It can often feel like fate brings a pet together with their new family. While fate can take a little credit, we know it is really your support that brings loving families together at Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) every day.
It was your generosity that helped a shy but loving pup find his new family, who needed him as much as he needed them.
Young Pit Bull Terrier mix Kobe had been surrendered to DCHS after his owner knew he wasn’t able to provide him with the time and resources Kobe needed. Kobe, like his professional basketball namesake, had a talent for jumping and would regularly leap over the four foot fence around his yard and take off running through the neighborhood.
When Kobe came to DCHS, staff and volunteers could tell he was a sweet boy, but he was timid and sometimes fearful around new dogs. Kobe was unsure of what to do around other dogs, and did not understand how to play with them.
We knew gaining confidence would help Kobe on his journey to finding a new family, so our Canine Behavior Team paired Kobe with our wiggliest and happiest pups for one-on-one play dates. Kobe grew more confident every day as he met new dog friends at the shelter, but he was still waiting for a new family to take him home.
Kobe watched as people passed by his kennel for nearly two weeks, hoping they might be his new family. Little did Kobe know his life would be changed forever when the Fuchs family walked in our doors. The Fuchs had been on a difficult journey of their own, something that is inevitable when we open our hearts and homes to pets. Within a couple months, this dog-loving family had lost two of their beloved dogs; Riley after a two-year battle with heart disease and their sweet Bella to cancer.
“Needless to say, our family was reeling. Not only were we depressed, but our other dogs, Luke and Bruno, were depressed, too. They spent a lot of time sleeping on the couch, they weren’t playful anymore, and were very sad,” says Maggie Fuchs.
After much deliberation, they thought adopting another dog in need might help fill the massive hole they felt in their hearts. After spotting Kobe on the DCHS website they couldn’t get to the shelter fast enough.
“When we met him, he was a little timid, but very affectionate! His amber eyes can melt your heart and his little kisses are so sweet,” says Maggie.
Thanks to your support, Kobe had found a new loving family, including two new canine siblings. With a new collar and the adoption complete, the joyful family left our Adoption Center. By the end of his first night he was comfortably curled up on the couch and fell into a deep sleep, happy to have a family of his own again.
The confidence Kobe had gained while playing with other dogs at DCHS helped him as he became best friends with new brother Bruno. “They play and chase each other around the house and our 40 acres. When they aren’t playing together, they can be found sleeping next to one another. [Kobe] is such an amazing dog and we couldn’t be happier to call him part of our family,” says Maggie.
Your generosity not only made it possible for Kobe to have a safe place to stay and build his confidence, but also made a family whole again. Please continue your support which brings loving families together and provides second chances to over 9,000 animals every year just like Kobe. Thank you!
