ADL Happy Tails – Dave

The Happy Tail we’ve all been waiting for! After 5 years of patience, Dave has been adopted!

In July 2018, Dave arrived at the Animal Defense League from the city shelter, his eyes full of hope despite his uncertain past. But life had other plans for him; in December that same year, he had his first seizure at ADL and was diagnosed with epilepsy. Dave’s resilience shone through as he embraced daily medication and continued to win the hearts of the ADL team.

The caring and passionate staff at ADL became his pillars of support, comforting him through or after every seizure, describing him as silly, a lazy couch potato, and a snuggly companion who just wanted to chill around the house with his family.

Days turned into months, and months into years, but Dave’s wagging tail never stopped, and neither did the staff’s commitment to finding him the perfect home. Many people were a crucial part of Dave’s story, including our volunteers that spent meaningful time with him, his two foster families who gave him the much-needed break from the shelter, and even our partners at North Park Subaru for crowning him Pet Star and covering his adoption fee, and 7 to 7 Dental and Orthodontics who donate towards our Diamond in the Ruff Program, celebrating our longer-stay residents. And then, the miracle happened! Last week, a KENS5 viewer came across Dave’s touching Forgotten Friends story, and something magical sparked within their heart.

The very next day, they showed up at ADL, determined to bring Dave home with his very own fur-sibling. It was a moment of pure joy as Dave stepped into his forever home, leaving his past behind and embracing a future filled with love and care. Not to mention, he gets to celebrate his 7th birthday this July 28th, with his new family!

Dave’s journey reminds us all that sometimes, it takes time, patience, and the kindness of strangers to change a life forever. Here’s to Dave, the epitome of strength, love, and the unbreakable bond between a dog and their human.