On a gloomy day in July 2021, a stroll along a local beach became a harrowing encounter for a community member, her child, and a very poorly dog.
Amidst the cold rain, sand, and rocks, they discovered what they initially thought was an illusion—an emaciated dog barely clinging to life.
This began a heart-wrenching but ultimately inspiring journey for Dean, a dog whose tale of resilience and love captivates hearts. Thanks to the Kitsap Humane Society, fortunately, this story has a happy ending!
Dean’s Plight: A Fight for Survival
Clearly, Dean had been abandoned by someone who had no plans to return. He was fortunate enough to be rescued by the quick-thinking community member, but Dean arrived at the Kitsap Humane Society in a critical state.
“When Dean came to us, we didn’t know if he would make it,” the staff recalled. Weighing a mere 30 pounds (compared to his eventual weight of 60 pounds), Dean’s situation seemed bleak, with his life hanging by a thread.
Yet, the determination of the vet service team at KHS sparked a glimmer of hope. Through a carefully tailored recovery plan, Dean began to regain his strength.
Within days, his spirit lifted, and he started to walk short distances again. He was on the road to recovery – but there was still a long way to go.
Dean’s Transformation: A Journey to Joy
The transformation that followed was nothing short of miraculous.
In just over a month, Dean, a three-year-old blue and white pittie, neared his healthy weight goal of 48lbs. He continued to regain strength, while becoming a firm favorite amongst the shelter staff.
Dean also began to enjoy everyday dog activities again, like basking in the sun, rolling in the grass, and cuddling with his favorite people.
The resilience and love Dean displayed touched everyone at KHS. “Dean is why we do what we do!” they shared, filled with pride and joy at his recovery.
Dean’s New Chapter: Finding a Forever Home
Dean’s story reached a joyful culmination when he found his forever home. Now named Arlo, he weighed 60 pounds – double the weight he was when rescued – and was loving his new home.
His adopter’s recalled how excited he was to go home. “The first thing he did…was run around with a BIG smile…He is just so happy to be getting some love.”
Dean Returns to Thank KHS
Arlo, or Dean as he was once known, returned to KHS several months later to visit the people who cared for him. This was an emotional moment for everyone involved: “there were many hugs (and a few tears) to go around”, recalls the KHS Facebook page.
A Tale of Hope and Love
Dean’s tale reminds us of the profound bond between humans and dogs. Even after all he had been through, Dean remained a happy, kind, and gentle dog that loved everyone around him. In the words of his adopter, “He is already more of a blessing than I thought…He is so loved.”
Well done Dean/Arlo, KHS, his adopters, and the community member who saved him!
Visit the Kitsap Humane Society’s website to learn more about the wonderful help they provide to dogs that need support. Their website also explains how you can support the KHS and lists the dogs they currently have for adoption.
