Unleashing the Christmas Spirit

This is Atlas.

Atlas was surrendered to our Cason Campus in April of this year.  The shelter can be a difficult place for dogs, but it was especially challenging for Atlas. Our team noted that Atlas was very reactive when walking by kennels and his energy needs were very high. He was very strong on a leash for many volunteers, but we knew he had so much potential. After months in the shelter, we were very excited to find the perfect foster home where he could receive the time and exercise needed along with training. Tonda was a regular volunteer and expressed an interest in fostering our highest-need dogs. We knew she and Atlas would be a great match, and that was confirmed when they met in Carson City.

She worked day and night training Atlas, learning his personality, and making him feel at home until he was ready for his fur-ever home. He even started to make dog friends. He patiently waited in his foster home, getting love and learning lots. After 91 days Atlas found his fur-ever family. Here is the story from his foster.

“When I first met Atlas, I immediately recognized his high anxiety level, high energy, and an overall very confused dog.  I was asking myself, “What am I getting into?” Our first engagement was a simple walk. He loves exploring, so this was a great icebreaker.  In the Carson shelter, his notes said he was not good with other dogs so bringing him into my own home with my own dog was going to take a well-thought-out strategic plan. I set up the formal introduction, and my dog literally didn’t care at all about Atlas, while Atlas was curious but cautious with her.  The first few nights were a bit tough as it always takes some time to acclimate, but within the first week, Atlas and Fate (NHS alum) were cohabitating very nicely. Within 2 weeks, we started basic obedience and socialization exercises to curb his ferocious reactivity.  My goal was to train basic obedience, build confidence, and teach Atlas proper and improper behavior. By the end of our first month, he was a whole new dog. He wagged his tail and learned to sleep and trust. He started gaining a bit of weight and no longer had diarrhea every day. He was learning how to meet and engage with humans without jumping, barking, or lunging.  He was learning how to walk properly on a leash and check in with his handler. He was even learning how to meet and play with other dogs. When he met his new sister (forever home female dog), it was like an instant best friends type of engagement. They sniffed, they wagged, they played. I knew this home was perfect for him. Like most dogs, the shelter can be a very stressful and traumatic experience. Once Atlas was removed from that environment, given some guidance and some human bonding, Atlas came out of his shell and truly became a friendly, well mannered, trusting, and playful guy.  He’s now a wonderful family member, brother, hiking buddy, striving towards his full potential every day. I’m honored to have been his foster mom so happy that he finally found his forever home.”

Here is Atlas in his new Fur-ever life!

Tonda Benge owns and runs Professional Dog Mom Training and Boarding in South Lake Tahoe, California.

The best Christmas gift is seeing these furry friends find their forever homes. Our mission is to care for pets, find them homes and save lives. This is possible because of our community’s support and donors’ generosity. Wishing you and your furry family a warm and cozy holiday season.