My wife and I have been fostering dogs for about 3 years and have had about 4 dogs stay with us prior to Kenny. We had decided to stop fostering since we were getting attached to the dogs and couldn’t find a dog that was a good fit with our cat or our lifestyle. Then came Kenny.

We saw a call out for fosters on Facebook for dogs from a shelter being closed in California and decided to foster one last time. Kenny was a very shy and frightened dog when he came to us. He was hardly eating and had some tummy troubles when we first got him. He was terrified of stairs (we’re not sure he’d ever seen stairs before) and he couldn’t jump onto the couch. He was very frightened of people and other dogs, cowering when anyone came near him. He didn’t seem to know how to play.

We had him examined by a vet and he was given a clean bill of health. We put him on pro-biotics, pumpkin and different food to help with his digestive problems. We started with food rewards to get him to walk up and down stairs by placing a treat on each stair. After a few days, he was comfortably moving around.

We gave him lots of love and affection. Strangely, our cat had no issue with him at all. This had never happened before. They actually lie right next to each other and often touch noses. Also, he doesn’t bark. Ever.

After he began to adjust at home and seemed much healthier, we started him on socialization. Introducing him to lots of dogs, walking him three times a day and my wife taking him to the park almost every day.

Kenny is a new man. He approaches other dogs now calmly with tail held high and loves a good play. He is still a little intimidated by big dogs but not frightened. He is also much better with people and will approach people as long as they ignore him at first. We actually walk him off leash most of the time and he sticks right with you. When he gets excited he runs. He runs in circles, up and down stairs.

In the end we think we found the best dog possible for us. He is such an affectionate and well-mannered little guy. He loves lots of belly rubs and his morning cuddle.

  If I could pass one thing off to people looking to adopt, lots of love and patience will pay off. Remember they have been through a lot and need someone to help them overcome their past.

Thanks,

Cary and Chandra