Story #25: Clyde, the Dog Who Saved Us
As told by Sydney Roth, Former Kennel Lead & Volunteer Trainer
A Family in Grief
I had been working at Anderson Humane for about a year when my family lost our small childhood dog, a Papillon named Kingston, in December 2023. Five months later, we were given a brief chance with Teddy, a tiny, special Papillon puppy, but his cleft palate diagnosis led to a heartbreaking decision to humanely euthanize him.
The loss of these two dogs left a big hole in our hearts and in our home. For a while, we thought we might never open our doors to another furry friend.
Meeting Clyde
On a cold October day, two dogs arrived at the shelter: Bonnie and Clyde, who had come from a chaotic home and carried fear and uncertainty with them. Clyde had been designated an “All Star” dog, which meant he required extra support for behaviors he was exhibiting.
The first time I sat with him, I could feel the weight of his past, but also a spark. He was a large Labrador/Staffordshire mix with a massive head, completely opposite of our old dogs. I invited my mom to the shelter and shared, “There is a baby here who could use a foster home.” She hesitated at first, still grieving, but something about him captured her heart.
Within four days of arriving at our house, it became clear that Clyde was meant to stay.
Despite his anxiety and unfamiliarity with safe spaces, he quickly became part of our family. Through patience, consistency, and professional guidance, he learned that our home was a place of love and security.
Clyde is polite, mindful, and gentle. He loves baked treats, endless toys, and constant cuddles. He is a true Momma’s boy and has completely transformed the energy in our home. After the losses of Kingston and Teddy, we thought our hearts could not open that wide again…but Clyde showed us that love can grow even after grief.
Clyde didn’t just join our family, he healed it.
This experience reminded me why Anderson Humane’s “All Star” dogs are so important. These dogs are not broken; they simply are unique. The one you see online might be the one who changes your life in ways you never imagined.
Every adoption and foster has the potential to heal both the animal and the human who opens their heart.
Ready to start your own rescue story?
Meet adoptable animals at Anderson Humane by visiting ahconnects.org/adopt, or help make the next 60 stories possible by donating in honor of our 60th Anniversary.
Interested in becoming a Volunteer?
Visit ahconnects.org/volunteer/ for more information on how you can get involved.
Interested in starting your own Foster Journey?
Visit us at ahconnects.org/foster-2/ for more information or email fosters@ahconnects.org
