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Thanks for stopping by! We hope you enjoy our latest Tail of Hope. Be sure to follow us on social media to learn about newly published adoption stories and to read heartwarming bios of dogs available for adoption. 

For this Tail of Hope, we had the opportunity to speak with Blaze’s mom, Marisa, to learn about him and his family’s story with Blaze and how he joined their family at the best time.

New Beginnings 

Marisa, her husband and her two kids moved into a new home back in 2015. With a new place to live, they decided they wanted to add a new piece of joy to their lives. Enter Blaze, a young, blue-tick beagle waiting for the right family to scoop him up with love and admiration. They elected to adopt from Hopeful Tails because they wanted to adopt from a good rescue, and Blaze was right there for them.

“He was too cute,” Marisa’s husband said.

Marisa originally wanted a smaller dog in the adoption process. They were unsure of how much Blaze would grow, but nine years later, he’s much bigger and still has their hearts full.

Giving Blaze the Love He Deserves

Blaze had a rough upbringing before his adoption. He came from a litter from Kentucky and was very malnourished. Marisa’s husband noted that Blaze struggled to walk on his front legs at first because of how malnourished he was.

He was tiny but so adorable, and the family knew they had to bring him home and give him the love and care he needed. Marisa’s two sons at the time were four and eight years old, so they wanted a puppy to play with their kids, and Blaze was perfect for that. Despite struggles at first, Blaze adjusted to his home life well and became part of the family in no time.

Blaze: A Dog of the People

Marisa and her husband shared some of their favorite pieces about Blaze and his quirks. Though he’s big, he’s still a scaredy cat!

“When he tries to take off, he’s like Scooby Doo,” her husband noted. “When he gets scared he jumps straight up like a cat. He’s scared of everything.”

Aside from his fears, he loves so many other things. Like a typical dog, he loves to sleep and eat, but he also loves meeting new people and is very well-behaved. He loves attention and works well in all types of situations.

Adapting and Adjusting

As the years went on, the family discovered new things about Blaze and even ran into some scary situations with him. Marisa noted that a few years after they adopted him, they learned that she was actually allergic to him, so they had to stop sleeping in the same bed as him. She said that this was hard for Blaze because he got comfortable with their nighttime presence, so they had to change some things up.

“Blaze isn’t going anywhere,” Marisa said.

With that, she began accommodating her allergy needs to live healthier around him. But, not only that, they also adopted a golden doodle, Charlie, who is hypoallergenic and can spend more time with Blaze when the family cannot.

There was also another scary instance where Blaze almost choked on bones, which could have been detrimental to his health. Marisa said that she drove to three different vets in a snowstorm to help Blaze out since she kept getting turned away from others. Because of this, she hopes to bring awareness to the risks of dental whitening bones for dogs, and hopes that all dog owners take safe measurements to ensure their dogs don’t choke on any materials like that.

Life Lessons and Advice 

Dogs and pets in general can help people with a multitude of different things. Marisa shared that Blaze has played a huge role in improving her mental health, always being by her side in the toughest of times.

“They never judge you,” Marisa’s husband said when asked about what bringing Blaze into their home has taught them.

Additionally, Marisa and her husband want to emphasize that adoption is best suited for those who can provide the most to their dogs.

“Make sure you can treat them well and make sure you’re dedicated to it,” Marisa’s husband stated.

Giving dogs the love, care and attention they deserve creates a happier space for everyone. Blaze has changed their world for the better in so many ways, and it’s because of the dedication that Marisa and her family have put into his life. Blaze may not be their whole world, but he certainly makes their life whole.

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

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you enjoy our latest Tail of Hope. Be sure to follow us on social media to learn about newly published adoption stories and to read heartwarming bios of dogs available for adoption. 

For this Tail of Hope, we had the opportunity to speak with Nova’s mom, Kristi, to learn about her and her family’s story with Nova and how she joined their family at the perfect time.

From the Bluegrass State to the Prairie State

Prior to her experience at Hopeful Tails, Nova was born just four months before she was adopted in July of 2022. Like many of the dogs the rescue receives, Nova came from Kentucky and traveled hundreds of miles to Joliet, Illinois. The journey here may not have been easy, but it sure was worth it, as the shepherd-lab mix would soon meet her soulmate, Kristi, at one of our open viewings. 

Looking to Add a New Member to the Family

Around the time of Nova’s adoption, Kristi had moved in with her fiancé who already had two older dogs in the home. Kristi had always been an avid dog lover, and her fiancé’s daughter suggested they check out Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue.

Kristi is a racer at the Grundy County Speedway, and she talked about an instance where her race got cancelled, so she thought that was the perfect opportunity to visit Hopeful Tails for an open viewing. Her and the family met a variety of dogs at the open viewing, but did not fall in love with them right away. Then, Nova was brought out, and it was an immediate connection between her and Kristi.

“I don’t know what it is about this dog,” Kristi described. “I don’t know if you believe in soul dogs or trauma-bound dogs…I immediately just fell for her, and of course my fiancé did too.”

Nova stole their hearts right away, but Kristi wanted to make sure she got along well with their other dogs before making any final decisions. Their two dogs, Happy and Tank met Nova, and they all got along wonderfully, with Kristi saying, “Everybody loved everybody.”

Fitting in Just Right at the Right Time

“She immediately cuddled up to Happy,” Kristi noted about bringing Nova home for the first time. “It was a very easy transition.”

Happy takes on a very maternal role as a dog according to Kristi, so with the introduction of a puppy to the home, it was a smooth and sweet process. They’ve learned that while Nova is rather skittish around new people, she warms up to dogs much faster. Kristi compares Nova to her fiancé, describing how they both are introverts and love to stay indoors with one another.

Additionally, when Nova was adopted, Kristi and her family were going through a lot of changes and stressful situations. Bringing in a sweet and precious puppy into their home at this time made the entire family foundation even stronger. It was the perfect timing for Nova to join the family and provide love when Kristi and her family needed it the most.

Being Different and Goofy in All the Right Ways

“I kind of like that she’s a little different to be honest,” Kristi stated. “I think it makes me want to love her more because I can’t just berate her with my undying love. She makes you work for it.”

Kristi admires Nova for her uniqueness and the fact that she almost “plays hard to get” with affection. She also described another quirk to Nova, and despite being introverted, she’s got a big mouth with a lot to say.

“She’s talkative,” Kristi pointed out. “Nova will talk back, in a cute, puppy way.”

When asked about Nova’s life now and how it’s different from when they first adopted her, Kristi touched on the fact that she’s a lot more relaxed now. That of course, comes with the help of Kristi and her family, by creating “safe spaces” for Nova that make her feel more comfortable.

Aside from relaxing, Nova loves to play all day with her inside and outside toys, aggravate her siblings every so often (like a typical younger sibling would) and is described to be a “goofball”.

Advice For People Considering Adoption

Two of the key themes Kristi emphasized from their journey with Nova was patience and understanding.

“Be patient and be understanding,” Kristi prioritized. “They’re young, they’re scared, it’s all new for them…I’m really glad that we got Nova because of her being afraid of new people. I don’t know how many people would have been patient enough to learn what it is, I feel like they would have just gotten rid of her.”

Kristi and her family had so much love to give to Nova, and while it’s not always easy, they know it’s all worth it for their sweet pup. At the end of the day, no matter how tough or stressful situations get, they know that Nova will always be by their side, supporting them every step of the way.

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

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you enjoy our latest Tail of Hope. Be sure to follow us on social media to learn about newly published adoption stories and to read heartwarming bios of dogs available for adoption. 

For this Tail of Hope, we had the opportunity to speak with Bella’s mom, Sarah, to learn about her and her family’s story with Bella and how she’s grown to be a great fit for their home. 

Time in the South

Before arriving in Illinois, Bella spent her youth in Arkansas. There aren’t many details on her backstory, but Sarah and her family suppose that Bella was born and immediately went into a shelter. Given her upbringing as a shelter dog, Bella was not used to having a concrete family by her side at first. Fortunately for her, she was soon going to be met with endless love and admiration by the perfect home. 

A Family in Search of Filling the Void 

Prior to Bella joining the family, Sarah and her husband had another dog who spent 10 years with them. After their dog passed away, Sarah and her husband knew that they wanted to continue having a furry friend in the home to bring them joy and love. Additionally, they had a three-year-old daughter who needed the excitement and support a dog could bring to her.

Sarah and her husband had a couple ideas for the type of pup they wanted: a larger dog who was sweet and good with kids. Sarah’s sister worked at a place that Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue had an adoption event at, so they took it upon themselves to scope out the event and see if they could find a match for their home. They didn’t have any specific breed in mind, but once the border collie and beagle mix came their way, they knew their lives would change for the better.

Starting Off Shy, but Warming Up to the Family Soon

“She was extremely nervous and scared when we first got her,” Sarah noted. “She could barely walk on a leash because she was terrified.”

Bella’s introduction to the family is very common amongst shelter dogs. When dogs get introduced to new environments, it’s not unusual for them to get frightened by all the changes occurring. There is a lot of uncertainty that runs through dogs’ minds when they find a new home, but fortunately for Bella, she soon discovered that her new setting was exactly what she needed. When asked about lessons they’ve learned from Bella since adopting her, their answer was clear.

“Patience,” was what Sarah stated. “She was a dog that required a lot of patience for her to get comfortable and used to us, especially my husband. She really didn’t like men at first. Now, he’s her favorite person in the whole house!”

Finding Fun and Happiness in her New Home

It has been almost five years since Bella was adopted, and since then, she has fit right in with the family. In fact, Bella has a puppy sister who gets along great with her. Sarah noted that they love to run and play in the backyard together.

“There’s nothing she loves more than cozying up in our bed during the day while we are at work,” Sarah described. “She’s very sassy at night when she wants to go outside. We call it her “witching hour”. She pounces around the house barking until you let her out to run off her energy.”

Aside from her playfulness, she’s also a naturally happy dog who loves spending time with their daughter. Sarah said that she’s very gentle with her daughter, and she loves to smile at them. When she gets excited or wants a treat, Bella will give a big grin to show her joy.

Advice For People Considering Adoption

Continuing on the pattern of patience from their journey with Bella, Sarah touched on her advice for those who are interested in adopting a dog.

“Make sure you do a meet and greet, especially with kids and any other dogs you might have,” Sarah said. “Not every dog is right for your family. Also, make sure you give them the time they need to adjust. They won’t just come home and know what to do right away or be comfortable right away.”

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

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you enjoy our latest Tail of Hope. Be sure to follow us on social media to learn about newly published adoption stories and to read heartwarming bios of dogs available for adoption. 

For this Tail of Hope, we had the opportunity to speak with Tanner’s mom, Nicole, to learn about her and her husband’s life with Tanner and how he’s seamlessly adjusted to their home.

Life on the Road

Tanner spent his early life into adulthood with his first caretaker. Unfortunately, his family’s circumstances changed, and they lost their home. For a time, Tanner and his three fur siblings lived in a U-Haul with their caretaker. Things eventually got to be too much, and Tanner’s family made the difficult decision to surrender him and his siblings to Hopeful Tails. 

A Couple Searching For a New Rescue Dog

Nicole and Robert, experienced dog owners, had recently lost their beloved Doxie to heart failure, and they were missing the presence of a dog in their home. Soon after that, they made the decision to search for a rescue dog they could adopt before Christmas.

Nicole was browsing on Petfinder for Dachshunds at nearby rescues, and Tanner’s profile picture caught her eye. As a six-year-old Chiweenie, he appeared to be an excellent match for the couple. They scheduled a time to meet Tanner at Hopeful Tails, and the rest is history! Tanner was adopted into his second-chance family in November 2022. 

Adjusting and Enjoying His Second Chance At Life

Tanner ended up fitting in seamlessly with his new family. In the initial months of adjustment, he dealt with separation anxiety when Nicole and Robert would leave the house. An understandable symptom of being surrendered at a shelter by the only family he had known. Once he came to understand that his new family was never going to leave him permanently, Tanner’s separation anxiety dissipated.

Nowadays, Tanner and his little fur brother, Timber, love spending time in their home and “going to work” with their mom. “I work from home, so I’ll tell them ‘time to go to work!’ and Tanner will grab his toy and run to his bed in my office,” Nicole shares.

Tanner’s silly and playful personality shines daily as he enjoys throwing his bones in the air and doing “frog legs” when he lays on his belly. “Some of his other favorite things to do are chewing on bones, playing fetch, going on walks, exploring his backyard, and greeting his dad by jumping on him when he returns from work,” says Nicole. 

Advice For People Considering Adoption

Nicole has great advice for people considering welcoming a rescue pet into their lives, “Think it through. Dogs are a commitment, and it will take time and patience for them to adjust to your home. You don’t know what they may have been through in their life. If you cannot commit to a dog wholeheartedly and in every aspect of care, do not adopt one.” 

She adds, “They are innocent animals dependent on the humans that care for them. Dogs just want your love and attention and return what you show them tenfold.” 

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

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you enjoy our latest Tail of Hope. Be sure to follow us on social media to learn about newly published adoption stories and to read heartwarming bios of dogs available for adoption. 

For this Tail of Hope, we had the chance to speak with Gail’s mom, Jenny, to learn about her life with Gail and how she’s grown from a timid and reactive dog into a happy, playful, and loyal pup.

Uncertain Beginnings In the South

Gail is a hound/mountain cur mix and hails from Kentucky, where she was in a kill shelter. She had been pregnant at some point, and a few of her teeth were in disrepair. Fortunately, Hopeful Tails stepped in to transport Gail and several other dogs up north to help them start their new, brighter beginnings.

Our rescue team soon learned that Gail was very reserved and reactive to men and children. It was clear that her early life contained unfortunate experiences. Gail would need a very special family to help her feel safe, grow, and heal from her tumultuous past.

Searching for the Perfect Companion Dog

In early 2019, Jenny was actively searching for the perfect companion for her dog, Lennie. Only a few months into having Lennie, Jenny realized he would love a furry companion. 

Her daughter happened to see Gail listed on our website, and Jenny immediately saw a resemblance to Lennie. She sensed she would be an excellent companion and scheduled an appointment to visit Gail at our rescue.

As luck would have it, Gail checked the necessary boxes for the type of dog Jenny was looking for – less than 50 pounds, able to roam in a yard without threat from hawks or owls, and friendly with Lennie.

Jenny knew, though, that Gail would require work, not only medically but also behaviorally. She was ready for the commitment, especially seeing how well Lennie and Gail got along.

The Road to Healing

When Gail stepped into her new home, she was initially nervous about many things. Her favorite thing was to be outside with her new sibling, Lennie. And Jenny could tell he was just as happy to have her companionship.

At the top of Jenny’s list was helping build up Gail’s confidence. They attended private training sessions and worked on basic obedience and leash skills. She was also taught to heel next to Jenny if she felt nervous.

They worked their way up from independent walks to visits to the dog park, the farmer’s market, and finally, busy events like Fourth of July parades, the Doggy Dip, and a fire station open house. This intentionally gradual exposure plan allowed Gail to blossom into her new, confident self. 

Several months after her adoption, Jenny took Gail to the veterinarian to remove her cracked teeth. “Gail became much more comfortable and affectionate with me,” Jenny recalls. 

Enjoying Life In the Lap of Luxury

Lennie is still enamored with Gail today, and the feeling is mutual. “Gail uses him as her emotional support pup,” Jenny shares. “She lets him meet new people and try new things and then follows if they look okay.” They spend their days going on walks and playing, wrestling, and cuddling together at home.

Jenny’s favorite qualities about Gail are that she’s her shadow around the house – sleeping under her desk while she works and beside her in bed. She continuously checks to make sure she’s safe and is very eager to please.

Gail loves to ride in her mom’s convertible with the top down, climb trees at the dog park to try to capture squirrels, and be the neighborhood watch. “She makes sure to express her displeasure about scooters, bikes, skateboards, delivery trucks, and school buses anywhere near her house,” says Jenny. 

When it’s time to rest, Gail isn’t lacking options – she’s spoiled with several dog beds throughout her house, two couches, and plenty of blankets and pillows. “She loves luxury and can be found nestled in a pile of pillows whenever possible,” Jenny shares.

Lessons from Gail

Adopting Gail and welcoming her into her life has taught Jenny a lot. But most of all, she’s taught her about love and resiliency of spirit. 

For families considering adopting a dog, Jenny recommends conducting thorough research about the type of dog that would best fit their lifestyle. “Gail would not have been the right dog for many people, but she has been perfect for me and Lennie.”

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

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you enjoy our latest Tail of Hope. Be sure to follow us on social media to learn about newly published adoption stories and to read heartwarming bios of dogs available for adoption. 

For this Tail of Hope, we had the chance to speak with Slinky’s mom, Penny, to learn about their life with Slinky and how he went from having his life uprooted to being adored and spoiled in his forever home.

Saying Goodbye to the Only Life He Had Known

Slinky’s story begins in the fall of 2022. Six years old at the time, he was an older chihuahua mix and had become used to life with his family, which included three other dog brothers. 

Unfortunately, due to financial circumstances, Slinky’s caretaker at the time decided to relinquish him and his siblings to Hopeful Tails. Fortunately, he wouldn’t have to wait long before his forever family found him.

A Family Seeking the Perfect Companion For Their Dog

Penny and her daughter were looking for a companion for their two-year-old Chihuahua mix, Hunny, and decided to see what dogs were available for adoption at Hopeful Tails. Upon looking at the website, they initially found a dog they were interested in meeting, but it turned out that the dog was already going to be adopted by a different family. 

The Hopeful Tails team sent Penny a couple of other options, one of whom was Slinky. Given his age, Penny was initially uncertain if Slinky would be the right fit for their family. She thought a younger dog might be a better companion for Hunny. Nevertheless, Penny decided to move ahead with meeting him in person! She recalled of the time, “I couldn’t get Slinky off my mind.”

In October 2022, Penny, her daughter, and their dog, Hunny, went to Hopeful Tails to meet Slinky. You can say it was love at first sight because Penny knew immediately that Slinky was the dog for them! “Boy, I definitely learned my lesson to not factor a dog’s age into whether or not I should adopt them.”

Living His Best Life

It’s been over a year since his Gotcha Day, and Penny describes Slinky as “the best dog ever.” It turns out that he and Hunny are two peas in a pod – constantly feeding off of each other. He also has four cat siblings that he gets along with very well.

From the first day, Slinky felt right at home with Penny and her daughter. She says, “It’s like he always belonged [here].” That certainly sounds like destiny to us. 

When it comes to their favorite qualities about Slinky, Penny says her top ones are his loyalty and love. “He follows me everywhere – even to the bathroom in the middle of the night!”

Another cute quirk Slinky has is laying on his belly and rubbing himself back and forth when he’s very excited. He also gets zoomies – jumping off of beds, couches, and chairs around the house.

Outside of his home, Slinky loves going on walks and visiting his Nana across the street. At Nana’s, he’s always spoiled with special treats and runs around in her fenced-in yard. Another highlight is taking drives with his mom to get pup cups. In fact, if Slinky goes on a car ride and the adventure doesn’t include a special treat for him, he becomes disappointed.

Slinky is quite the foodie, mainly enjoying vegetarian options like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and even cauliflower, just like his sister, Hunny.

Lessons from Slinky

Penny shares that the most significant lesson Slinky has taught her is this: “Age doesn’t matter, the heart does. I should have been more open to dogs of all ages, and I’ll never again weigh that as a factor when adopting in the future.”

She wants people considering adoption to be open to all types of dogs and follow their hearts. “Once you meet the one, you’ll know!”

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

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you enjoy our latest Tail of Hope. Be sure to follow us on social media to learn about newly published adoption stories and to read heartwarming bios of dogs available for adoption. 

For this Tail of Hope, we had the chance to speak with Oly’s mom, Janet, to learn about Oly’s journey and how she’s courageously blossomed into her new life with her perfect forever family. 

Scary Beginnings In Arkansas

Oly, a shepherd and black mouth cur mix, was born on Christmas Eve 2021 in Arkansas. Her early life was likely full of uncertainty and experiences that might induce fear in any young pup.

At just two months old, she and her siblings were found in a trailer park. Fortunately, AR Network Improving Animal Life saved them from their then-unknown fate. Shortly after, Hopeful Tails arranged a transport to bring Oly and other Arkansas pups up north. 

It didn’t take long for the Hopeful Tails crew to experience how friendly, gentle, and affectionate she was. But with such a tumultuous start to her life, Oly was understandably shaken up. Terrified of new things like meeting new people, walking outside, and loud noises, she needed someone patient and experienced to guide her on her journey to healing.

Oly was brought into a loving foster home with an experienced Hopeful Tails volunteer. There, she opened up a bit more and finally got to experience what life in a home felt like. 

While life in foster was good, Oly was still looking for her forever family. Fortunately, she would soon meet them!

A Hopeful and Patient Family

Janet was familiar with Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue and decided that she and her husband were ready to welcome a new furry family member into their life. Their beloved dog, Lucy, had crossed the rainbow bridge a couple of months prior, and they missed her terribly. 

Wanting a new dog to brighten up their home once more, Janet looked at Hopeful Tails’ adoptable adult dogs. She found Oly and scheduled a visit. That visit turned into several more over the course of three weeks. Oly was quite skittish and needed time to become comfortable around Janet. Brushing her fur, she found, was an excellent conduit for comfort.

“I knew the first day that she was part of our family. I just had to wait until she was comfortable with me,” Janet says. 

Oly’s Gotcha Day was April 1, 2023, after having been at Hopeful Tails for over a year!

A New, Confident Lease On Life

Fast forward to today, Oly’s fear has drastically lessened, and she is living a much more comfortable life. Janet credits a trainer they partnered with at Boughton Animal Clinic for helping her and her husband recognize and handle Oly’s emotions.

With lots of patience and love, Oly has grown into a more confident and playful young dog. Some of Janet’s favorite qualities about Oly are that she is brilliant with puzzle toys, loves to give kisses, runs around the yard, is responsive to commands, is good at tracking, and is very sweet. “She is perfect,” Janet emphasizes.

As her personality blossomed, Oly became best friends across the fence with her next-door neighbor, Ellie. In fact, if Ellie’s parents don’t bring her over to her house, Oly will sit with her back to them and refuse to engage. 

Ellie isn’t the only thing outside that Oly has come to love – squirrels, bunnies, and chipmunks leave their scent in her yard, and she just can’t help but track them. If her tracking doesn’t produce anything good, she’ll come inside and execute her attack on one of her stuffed animals. 

“She likes doing things for treats and will remind me if I forget to give her one after she goes out to do her business,” says Janet. Whether it’s treats after her time outside or inside with puzzle toys, Oly is headstrong in getting what she knows she’s owed. 

When it’s time to wind down, Oly enjoys sophisticated pursuits like being read stories by her mom from a good book; she’ll snuggle up right next to her, listening intently. 

New things aren’t as scary for Oly these days. As long as they aren’t noisy, she willingly tries them out. She’s made incredible progress transforming from a scared pup to a courageous dog! 

Life Is Better With a Dog

Janet believes life is simply better with a dog – “Especially one as perfect as Oly,” she notes. Oly is great company for her and her husband since their kids are grown, and she keeps them busy. 

When it comes to advice Janet has for people who are considering adopting a dog, she shared this tidbit: “Think about what type of dog will fit into your family and schedule. I knew a puppy was too much for me and wanted an adult dog.” 

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

Thanks for stopping by! We hope you enjoy our latest Tail of Hope. Be sure to follow us on social media to learn about newly published adoption stories and to read heartwarming bios of dogs available for adoption. 

For this Tail of Hope, we had the chance to speak with Zoey’s parents, Kyle and Heather, to learn about their life with Zoey and how she went from living her days mostly confined to a cage to their loving, active family.

City Life, But Not the Sweet Life

Zoey’s story begins in downtown Chicago in 2016. Sadly, she was often confined to a crate for up to 12 hours a day. Her owners worked full-time and didn’t have the schedule or lifestyle to accommodate a young dog’s needs. As a one-year-old pitbull boxer mix, Zoey had no outlet to release her exuberant puppy energy. 

Realizing they weren’t in a position to be the best pup parents for Zoey, they surrendered her to Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue. Zoey didn’t know it then, but she wouldn’t have to wait long for her perfect forever family to show up.

A Growing Family Searching For Their Next (Fur) Child

Around that same time, Kyle and Heather moved to the southwest suburbs with their son and were actively searching for a furry family member. Their search led them to several shelters and rescues, ultimately ending at Hopeful Tails Animal Rescue.

While they didn’t have a laundry list of requirements for their future dog, one essential quality was tolerance of loud, crazy kids, as their family would be growing. 

Enter Zoey!

Heather describes it as love at first sight, “We knew immediately we wanted to take Zoey home when we met her!” However, they wanted to see how Zoey would take to their then 3-year-old son in the home environment. 

Hopeful Tails allowed them to take Zoey home for two weeks on a trial to ensure she was the perfect fit they felt she would be. “Those two weeks flew by, and within that first week, we were begging to come back to sign the paperwork to adopt Zoey,” Heather joyfully recalls.

Then came the day everyone was waiting for – Zoey’s Gotcha Day! With her new forever family, her life was about to turn upside down in the best possible way. 

Thriving In Her Big Family

It’s been nearly seven years since Zoey’s adoption in November of 2016, and even as an eight-year-old dog, Zoey has endless puppy energy. 

“She is extremely rambunctious and so excited to go for walks ALL the time,” Heather shared. In addition to going on walks, Zoey gets a kick out of playing fetch (her favorite game in the world), chasing the neighbor’s dog along their fence, and greeting each of her family members (especially the little ones) when they return home from work or school.

Some of Zoey’s other quirky and loveable behaviors include barking at delivery drivers (even though half of the time they come bearing her treats, toys, or food), begging for food scraps at the table, leaping high into the air, and snuggling up with her family despite weighing 60 pounds.

Speaking of family, Zoey’s pack grew by two people over the last seven years! With two adults and three kids in her house, she’s never at a loss for ways to expend her energy. Heather notes that they’ll often find Zoey attempting to join their kids in playing soccer, football, jump rope, and many other activities. 

Lessons from Zoey

Zoey taught her family an important lesson: “Everyone deserves a second chance, a new opportunity. Because sometimes we just need a new environment to thrive,” Heather noted.

Heather wants people considering adoption in the future to understand that adopting a dog is a life-long commitment that comes with a lot of responsibility – “But the endless joys that come from giving a dog a second chance and everything they add to your life are so worth it,” she emphasized.

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