Many of us are a little rough around the edges. We might have quirks or weird habits that those around us learn to live with and even love. All anyone can hope for is that the right person comes into their life and makes it complete.
When a dog has quirks and weird habits, the stakes are that much higher. For some dogs, the little things get in the way of finding their forever home. For one little black puppy named Abe, he was given a second and a third chance to find his forever family. Lucky for him, the third time was the charm.
Abe and his sister were rescued from Puerto Rico and brought to New York City. Abe's sister was quickly adopted, finding her forever home with ease. For Abe it would be a different story.
Abe was adopted once, but sadly was returned after some time. There are an estimated 3.2 million shelter animals adopted every year. However, a shocking 1 in 10 dogs adopted are no longer in that same home after six months. This can happen for a number of reasons, from simple personality differences to allergies, or even sometimes aggression.
In the video about Abe's journey, we find out that everyone at the office where he was felt badly for the puppy. And so, they were all excited when he was adopted once more - so much, in fact, that they threw him a going-away party.
Unfortunately, the second adoption wouldn't last. Abe was once again returned, giving John, our narrator, a great idea. John tells us he thought, "Whatever reason he keeps getting returned, I'm gonna find out." So, Abe went home with John. Abe got a new name, too: Bean. John said he wanted Bean to know that, "until [they] found him a forever home, he wasn't going anywhere."
John's goal with bringing Bean home was clear: "Whatever issues he had, [John] was going to work through them with him." And those mysterious issues quickly showed themselves. According to John, it quickly became apparent how much work little Bean would be.
One of the issues that becomes clear from the video footage of Bean is his destructive tendencies. While destructive behavior can be common among dogs, it can be frustrating for the owners affected by it. One of the most important things to remember is that, if your dog is exhibiting destructive behavior, they are not doing so out of spite or revenge. Destructive tendencies are actually something dogs can develop because of anxiety or as an outlet for extra energy.
And then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and Bean would be uprooted once again. This time, however, John would be by his side.
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John, his girlfriend, and Bean all picked up and headed out to New Hampshire to stay with John's parents. The scenic New Hampshire town would be a far cry from the bustle of Brooklyn that Bean had become used to. With it came many new experiences, including snow, swimming, and tons of running with John.
Any kind of big change like a move can cause anxiety in dogs. Think about it: suddenly their whole life and everything that smells familiar is either gone, in a box, or somewhere new. There are a few things you can do to make moving with your dog easier: stay calm yourself; prepare them by explaining to them what's happening (seriously); assemble your moving boxes days ahead so your dog gets used to the sight, sound, and smell of the boxes; and talk with your vet about additional measures you can take to help them stay calm, which may include medication.
Luckily for Bean, there would be furry little friends in his new home and one became a fast friend.
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In his new home, Bean found his forever family with John and learned about the wonders of the world - at least the wonders of Brooklyn and New Hampshire. He learned to swim. He learned to trust again. He learned to be loved.
As many dogs are returned to shelters, so much of the time they just haven't found their forever people yet. Every day animals are adopted out to new families and the commitment is one to not take lightly. With a lot of love, a little patience, and a bit of support from your friends and family, you can have a canine companion that brings joy to you every day, just like Bean and John.
If you are looking to adopt a dog from a shelter, you should be ready for the time and energy it will take to rehabilitate them and introduce them to your new home. Before you go pick up your new friend, make sure to stock up on toys, treats, food, and a doggy bed. You will have plenty of time to take them to the store with you, but the added stress can make your adoption day a little tough.
You should also prepare yourself. You may be getting a dog with an unknown history and unknown triggers. It can take a couple weeks for a dog to start acclimating and showing their true personality, so expect some surprises along the way.
Be patient with yourself and your new friend as you both become used to new housemates. With time, you can develop a strong bond that will last a lifetime.