06/16/2026
Warning: Long post 😅 but it is worth the read!
Recently, I’ve had the honor of working with some amazing families and their newly adopted dogs. Helping dogs transition from shelter life into their forever homes is something that is incredibly close to my heart.
Before shifting my focus to training, I spent more than 10 years working in animal welfare, helping shelter pets find loving homes. Because of that experience, I understand both the excitement and the challenges that come with welcoming a rescue dog into your family. Whether I was helping match families with their new companion or bringing home rescue pets of my own, I saw firsthand how much change a new adoption can bring—not just for the dog, but for the humans and established pets in the home as well.
I rescued Abu (pictured below) in 2019 when he was estimated to be between 6 and 8 years old. Before arriving at my shelter, he had spent time fending for himself on the streets of Puerto Rico before being transported north.
Abu came with a lot of behavioral baggage. He struggled with resource guarding, had severe anxiety during storms, and was reactive toward other dogs. The transition into his new home was far from seamless, and there were plenty of challenges as we worked together to help him feel safe and learn new ways to navigate the world. It took time, patience, and a lot of training, but every step forward was worth it.
I was lucky enough to share just over six years with Abu before losing him to cancer last August. Watching him transform into the dog he became later in life was nothing short of incredible. When I first brought him home, I never would have imagined that one day he would share a home with two other dogs and four cats. He even discovered the joy of play and formed a special friendship with his best buddy, Syd. Abu's journey reminds me every day that rescue dogs are capable of incredible growth when they are given patience, understanding, and support.
Many rescue dogs come from difficult or uncertain backgrounds. They may have been strays, owner surrenders, or transports from shelters in other states. By the time they arrive in their new home, they have already experienced several major life changes. They are learning to navigate a new environment, new relationships, new routines, and sometimes new animal companions—all while carrying the experiences that have shaped how they view and respond to the world around them.
My background in animal welfare, combined with my personal experience living with and training rescue dogs, gives me a unique perspective when working with newly adopted dogs and their families. I’ve found that helping pet parents better understand where their dog is coming from and how those past experiences may influence their behavior allows us to create realistic expectations and effective plans for success. Together, we can build a smoother transition and stronger bond between dog and family.
About 50% of the challenge of rescue is finding someone willing to open their home and heart to a pet in need. The other 50% is ensuring that families have the knowledge, support, and resources necessary to help that pet thrive long after they leave the shelter.
Watching these dogs settle into their new lives and seeing families grow alongside them is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. 💛
