Story #19: Crunch’s Second Chance
As told by Samantha Milota, Foster and Adopter
I began fostering with Anderson Humane in 2024, and my very first foster dog was Crunch. From the moment he arrived, he was the sweetest, goofiest boy. My golden retriever, Cora, adored him right away, and watching their bond grow made it feel like he already belonged in our home.
By the end of 2024, I knew I could not say goodbye. I decided to adopt Crunch and officially make him part of my family. His adoption completed my fur family and gave Cora a true companion. Seeing them together every day reminds me how perfectly they fit.
After adopting Crunch, I continued fostering and welcomed a mama cat and her four kittens into our home. Crunch was incredibly gentle with them. Watching a big, playful dog carefully interact with tiny kittens was one of the most heartwarming things I have ever seen.
Crunch was about two years old when I adopted him, and he came with some challenges, including resource guarding and moments of aggression. I want to share his story because no dog is beyond help. With the right training, patience, and environment, dogs like Crunch can grow into amazing companions.
I learned his triggers, and he learned to trust me. Over time, those early challenges faded, replaced by confidence and connection. Today, it is hard to imagine he ever struggled.
Crunch has brought so much love and joy into my life, and I am endlessly grateful to Anderson Humane for bringing him to me. Fostering led me to him, but trust and love made him family.
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