A Tail of Loyalty and Laughter | Clyde’s Adoption Story

The Search for a New Friend

When Haley and Dan began considering adding another dog to their family, their goal was twofold: find a companion for their current dog and open their hearts to a pup in need. “We wanted our other dog to have a friend to play with,” Haley shared, “and we wanted to give a good life to a dog that maybe didn’t have the greatest start.”They weren’t set on a specific breed, but they did know they wanted a large male dog—preferably one with shorter hair. Beyond that, they were open-hearted and ready to meet the right match.

Discovering Hopeful Tails

While following several local rescues online, Haley and Dan were drawn to Hopeful Tails because of the ease and responsiveness of the adoption process. When they saw Clyde—then named Howdy—listed as the last of his litter still waiting for a home, they knew they had to meet him.“Setting up a time to meet him and his foster family was so easy,” Haley said. “We thought he was adorable, and after learning he hadn’t been adopted yet, we quickly submitted our application.”

Adjusting to a New Life

Originally from Arkansas, Clyde’s early life is a bit of a mystery. But it was clear early on that he had sensitivities, particularly around loud noises. “He doesn’t like gunshots, fireworks or even noisy tools,” Haley noted. “We know the Fourth of July will always be a quiet holiday at home.”Still, Clyde has made impressive strides. With patience and love, he’s become more comfortable around day-to-day household sounds. “He’s gotten used to the vacuum, washer, dryer—even the food processor and tape measure,” Haley added.

A Gentle Giant with a Goofy Side

Clyde may be big, but he’s full of charm and a little bit of clumsy fun. “He’s not the most athletic,” Haley laughs. “He misses most things you toss to him and sometimes runs past them altogether. He’s like a 100-pound puppy—totally uncoordinated but always having the time of his life.”One of his funniest habits started when he was a puppy: whenever he got tired on walks, he’d just flop down wherever he was. “We called him a fainting goat,” Haley recalled. These days, he gets so excited for walks that he herds his humans down the hall with gentle nudges. And while he’s less attention-seeking than his canine sibling, he’s not afraid to stick up for his cuddle time—giving a swift (but sweet) paw bop if his brother interrupts.

Clyde’s Life Today

Clyde has settled into a happy, comfortable rhythm. He splits his time between four dog beds, the couch and the guest bed—and he always keeps one eye out the window, barking at anything that moves outside. He thrives in the winter but tolerates walks in warmer weather, especially if it means chasing his brother around the backyard. Haley says that protecting the house and napping are probably two of his favorite things.

Lessons in Love

Adopting Clyde has brought more joy and connection than Haley and Dan ever expected. “Love is unconditional and infinite,” Haley said. “I was worried our other dog might feel replaced or pushed aside, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. They love each other so much, and our love for them just grows and grows, even through the challenging times.”

Advice to Future Adopters

For anyone thinking about adoption, Haley’s advice is clear: be patient. “Just like people, dogs can experience trauma. They need time to build trust and feel safe.” Clyde may have been the last of his siblings to be adopted, but in Haley and Dan’s home, he was the missing piece of their pack all along.

If you are interested in adopting a Hopeful Tails dog, please visit our adoption page for more information or email hopefultailsadoptions@outlook.com.