Beckett’s Second Chance

Beckett’s second chance story and adoption celebration.

Animal Control is No Place for a Saint

Animal Saints Rescue Society was contacted by a partnering animal control facility to help the largest hair-not-fur dog we’ve pulled to safety so far. A 70 pound Portuguese Water Dog blend was shutting down at a chaotic and overcrowded animal control facility and needed out IMMEDIATELY. Such facilities cannot hold dogs indefinitely, especially when they are overcapacity. Dogs are euthanized to make space. Only a year old, Beckett arrived to the facility un-neutered, severely matted, and frightened.

Finding a Home for a Saint

Portuguese Water Dogs are considered a “trendy breed.” This is partly due to the Obamas having them, as well as the desire to have hair and not fur in a large-sized dog. There has been a spike in backyard breeders overbreeding to feed the trend demands. Unfortunately, some people are far too quick to purchase or adopt without thinking about the responsibilities it takes to give a gentle giant all they need. We knew we had to get this adoption right, no matter how long it took. Beckett had been re-homed this spring, and we didn’t want him to ever set foot in an animal control facility again. He did not deserve to be moved from home to home with people falling in love with his on-trend handsomeness, only to bail on him after reality set in. He needed a family ready to give him the lifetime commitment he deserved. Dozens of inquires and applications were received for Beckett, shedding light on the breed’s current popularity. We spent weeks interviewing several families. Then, it happened. We received the application we had all been hoping to receive. It was from a community service-minded family who had a solid history of commitment to one another and the dogs they’ve had in their lives. They are a kind and respectful family who put others first — the kind of family we would all be fortunate to have in our town — and they wanted to adopt Beckett. Things were really looking up for this dear Animal Saint who had just endured the literal smell of death at animal control.

Beckett’s Adoption Day

Beckett’s hopeful family came to our sanctuary to spend an entire Sunday afternoon with him. The adoption was not official until we saw the family interact with Beckett to see how he responded to them.

It was clear that Beckett liked everyone abundantly — so much so that at one point he decided to burst into a joyful sprint back and forth in the garden! When Beckett briefly stopped bounding about to soak in the laughter he was creating in everyone, it was confirmed that these were the fortunate people to be called “Beckett’s lifetime family.”

Beckett’s Official Adoption Portrait

Training for Beckett

Basic foundational skills classes are required for every adoption through Animal Saints Rescue Society. It sets each Animal Saint up for the smoothest transition and gives them tools to stay safe and confident in their new world. Beckett’s family took private in-person courses through a Karen Pryor Academy certified trainer. Not only did Beckett fly through the foundational skills courses, they went on to take more advanced classes like loose leash training. We are so proud of Beckett to see him flourish! We are grateful to his lifetime family for committing and giving him everything he needs in this second chance he’s been given.

Heather, Beckett’s Mom, demonstrates with ease some of Beckett’s foundational skills in quick succession!

Finding Joy in Committing to an Animal Saint

Beckett’s family has been savoring their first summer together, not wanting to imagine life before him. Heather, Beckett’s mom, describes how in awe she is of the gentle giant who is now at the center of their family. “Beckett really is a one-in-a-million dog! He is the most social dog I’ve ever met. He really is the mayor of the dog park, and he insists on daily visits. He is so in tune with the personalities of other dogs. He’ll chase the tiny dogs that like to run but slows down to make them think they are winning. For the dogs that like to rumble, Beckett becomes a professional wrestler. He gladly lends himself to be the personal jungle gym for any puppy who wants to play. We love him beyond words!”

Beckett loves to frolic in a nearby creek and make his family laugh. 

One of Beckett’s favorite spots is a creek nearby the family’s home. Just as we all witnessed the first day Beckett met his family, he LOVES to make them laugh with joy!