Happy Tail: Bruce

Bruce’s people (Alec and Erin) were coming to Last Hope to see a puppy they had found online and wanted to possibly adopt. When they found out that Last Hope tries to place as many pets in foster homes as possible, they decided they wanted to help dogs in need. Their first dog was injured and needed special care before and after her surgery. Alec and Erin were happy to help her stay comfortable until she could have her operation. They continue to help out when we have medically needy dogs.

When they came to pick up their first foster dog, they saw Bruce. You know, in cartoons, when they show floating hearts when a couple first meet and fall in love? If they were in a cartoon, that would have happened when they saw Bruce. They knew if they fostered him, it would be a foster failure so they decided to continue with what was originally planned because the dog waiting for the operation needed them.

When Alec and Erin came back to the Adoption Center, Bruce was still there so he became their next foster dog. By the time the first application came in for Bruce, they knew they couldn’t let him go. Bruce has been a well-loved member of their family ever since.

Sometimes, adopting a dog means a family can no longer foster. But they discovered that Bruce was an amazing big brother to all their subsequent fosters. He immediately begins showing them the lay of the land and how to behave. From three-month-old puppies to eight-year-old dogs, Bruce has been an amazing pal to all of them. He seems to know what each dog needs. Some need to settle down and focus, while others need to learn how to play and come out of their shell.

He’s not just a good pal for dogs. His grandma was scared of dogs because of some bad interactions, but Bruce nosed his way into her heart. She dotes on him and visits him often. The family jokes that Bruce is her favorite child because he always gets the most attention and toys under the Christmas tree!

Bruce is smart and knows many commands, and he’s willing to do just about anything for a treat. Treats are second only to snuggling with Alec and Erin. He certainly loves his naps and sunning himself in the yard. They like that Bruce is very expressive, and it can feel like you’re having a complete conversation with him based on how he looks at you. And he’s not afraid to give a little side-eye if you’re asking him to do something he doesn’t really want to do.

Bruce has helped too many dogs to mention, but the amazing thing is that he gave something different to each one of them. He could sense what they needed. Because of him, families get great dogs on the road to healing from poor treatment and neglect in the past. And he became the best friend to Alec and Erin that they could have imagined. He showed them that love comes when you least expect it.