Archie

My buddy Archie was found dumped on the side of the road, much too young and with a belly full of worms. He was a super cute, spunky little man (affectionately named “Sir Wiggle Butt” by the Southern rescuer) who was definitely going to need lots of attention and help learning how to be a family dog. At two months old, he was adopted into a family with lots of kids, hoping that he would grow to be their childhood best friend.

Unfortunately, they realized six months later that they weren’t equipped to give this boy the kind of time and training that he needed and he wasn’t meshing well with the energy of their toddlers, so he was surrendered back to the rescue at 8 months old. My family and I took him in as a terrified foster, confused about why his family wasn't there, and he shut down emotionally and physically for the first two weeks in our care. As a stereotypically “bully breed” looking dog with some anxieties and fears in his world that was turned upside down, it was really difficult for us to find a good match for him that could cater to his needs. Of course, it was easy for him as a small puppy, but now that he was a big, awkward lug, we knew we were in for a challenge.

Although I didn’t want to admit it, (I pledged to never “foster fail”) since the day I met him, I knew he was meant to be my best friend. As a college student struggling myself, Archie and I found solace in each other in our time of need. I’ve watched him grow and come out of his shell, and he watched me graduate college and find a full time job. He was my tenth foster dog, and I knew that each one before him was finding a perfect, loving, happy home that would give them all the care they needed... but couldn’t that be me, for Archie? We had everything he needed, including patience in his training regimen and a confident resident dog to help him learn. After a long four months and several failed meet and greets that just weren’t the *perfect* fit for my boy, my family and I decided that truly, he had found his forever (permanently this time!!) home when he had come to us in the first place.

Since we adopted him, he’s accompanied me hiking, on vacations to Maine, eating lots of ice cream and loving every day in the sun. I can’t picture where I would be without my little man, and I am so grateful for everything Sweet Paws Rescue has done, from supporting me as a foster and volunteer, to cheering alongside me as I finally rang the bell and foster failed with Archie. There is nothing like the love of a rescue dog who knows he’s found his people!

-KG