Once upon a time, at a bustling animal shelter in Modesto, California, a day of great promise dawned for a dog named S’mores, an Anatolian Shepherd with a heart as big as his smile. On his adoption day, the sheer joy was unmistakable on his face.
He knew something special was about to happen. S’mores, who had been wandering the streets before being brought to Stanislaus Animal Services Agency, carried a reputation as a “very loving and good dog,” as described by the person who found him.
The shelter volunteers, including Nadia Borisova, had only good things to say about this sweet-tempered dog, whose happiness on finding a forever home was evident to everyone present.
The Briefest Happiness
As the adoption papers were signed and S’mores walked out with his new family, his excitement was palpable. He acted as though he had been a part of their family for years, not just minutes. This one-year-old pup’s tail wagged non-stop, and he showered his new humans with affection, unaware of the turn his fate was about to take.
A Sudden Twist of Fate
Source: Heather Gee
However, just as quickly as his new life began, it came to a halt. Within an hour, the family returned him to the shelter. The reason? They felt he was too big. Despite his friendly demeanor and the immediate bond he had formed, his size became his undoing.
This unexpected return was a blow to S’mores, who found himself back in the confines of the shelter he thought he had left for good. Heather Gee, a volunteer at the shelter, captured this emotional rollercoaster in a viral TikTok video that tugged at the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Not the End for S’mores
Despite the setback, S’mores’ story was far from over. His charming nature and the initial video circulated by Heather Gee caught the attention of a non-profit rescue organization. Just days after his return, S’mores was transferred to a foster home through @notyouraveragerescueinc, a group known for their dedication to giving animals like S’mores a second chance at happiness.
New Beginnings in a Foster Home
In his new foster home, S’mores was given everything he needed to thrive. The foster environment allowed him to decompress from the stress of his recent experiences. Here, he started receiving the training necessary to adjust fully to a home environment, along with the tender loving care he deserved. This period also served as a critical time for S’mores to regain his trust in humans, relearning that a forever home was still within his reach.
The Road to a Forever Home
As S’mores continued to flourish in his foster home, his story became a beacon of hope for many other shelter animals. Advocate Paws, an organization that networks shelter animals to help them find homes, highlighted his journey on Instagram, inspiring potential pet owners to consider the joy and challenges of adopting large breed dogs. S’mores’ resilience and affectionate nature showcased the impact of patience and love in overcoming initial setbacks.
A Look at the Bigger Picture: Adoption Challenges for Large Dogs
S’mores’ journey sheds light on a common issue faced by larger dogs in shelters. Despite their potential for love and loyalty, the size of a dog can often be a deterrent for adoptive families, not considering the full scope of the commitment needed. According to the American Kennel Club, an average male Anatolian Shepherd can weigh between 110 and 150 pounds—S’mores, at 79 pounds, wasn’t even at the high end of his breed’s average weight.
What Future Adopters Should Know
Adopting a dog, especially a large breed like the Anatolian Shepherd, requires understanding and preparation. Future adopters should consider not only the size but also the environment, lifestyle, and the long-term commitment required to integrate a large dog into their family. Adoption should never be an impulse decision, as the well-being of the animal and the harmony of the home depend on a well-thought-out match.
S’mores’ Ongoing Tale
As for S’mores, his journey towards a forever home continues, filled with hope and the love of those he has met along the way. His story is not just about the struggles of adoption but about the enduring spirit of an animal who has much love to give. It serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of shelter animals and the profound impact of giving them a second chance.
In every wag of his tail and every hopeful gaze towards the future, S’mores exemplifies the beauty and resilience of shelter animals everywhere, making his mark on the hearts of all who hear his tale.
