Over the years working in an animal shelter, I’ve met countless dogs who left paw prints on my heart. Some found homes quickly, some never left the shelter, and some were “forever dogs” only in the sense that they’d forever change the way I see the world. Each one had a lesson to teach me, often in ways I didn’t expect.
Here are just a few of the dogs who shaped me:
Chance – Trust That Others Will Love Them Too
Chance was originally brought to the shelter after being neglected. He was adopted once, but returned for being reactive to other dogs and strangers. With a bite history, he wasn’t an easy dog to place. For me and my husband, though, he was a total goofball, a 60-pound lap dog, and a “sole-dog” in every sense of the word.
After nearly three years in the shelter, Chance went into foster care. I was thrilled, heartbroken, and terrified all at once. What if he failed? What if no one could love him like we did? But almost a year later, Chance is still thriving in that foster home, now a brother to cats and living the life he deserves.
He taught me to trust that others will love them, too.
Damon – Your “Sole-Dogs” Don’t Always Come Home With You
Damon had already been at the shelter when I started working there. Because of his history of struggling in homes, he wasn’t available for adoption, but he quickly became a favorite of mine and my husband’s.
With the right family, Damon could have thrived—but that family never came. We couldn’t bring him home ourselves because of the animals we already had, and I still wish we could have. Damon reminded me that not every dog who feels like “yours” is meant to come home with you. Some simply share a piece of your heart forever.
Creed – Happiness Can Be Found Even in the Hardest Places
Creed was also at the shelter when I arrived, and he’s still there today. He’s a sweetheart with people but highly reactive to other animals, which makes adoption impossible. Despite living in the shelter for nearly five years, Creed is still one of the happiest dogs I’ve ever known.
He taught me that joy can be found even in the hardest circumstances.
Daisy – Even the “Unadoptable” Can Find a Home
Daisy was the definition of a brat—but I loved her. After spending her first nine years with one owner, she was surrendered when a new grandbaby came along. We begged her family to consider boarding options, but they weren’t interested.
Daisy didn’t warm up easily. She barked in faces, nipped rears, and guarded toys like treasures. But once you earned her trust (and it took a while), she was loyal and affectionate in her own prickly way.
Eventually, another staff member fell in love with Daisy, and after years at the shelter, she finally found her home. Daisy taught me that even the “unadoptable” dogs can find love.
Bandit – “Aggression” Is Often Just Fear in Disguise
Bandit’s past wasn’t kind. He’d lost an eye as a puppy and came to us with deep trust issues. His instinct was to bite first and ask questions later, but underneath it all was pure fear. Even stepping outside terrified him.
He did find a home for about a year, but the structure he needed wasn’t something that family was ready for. He’s now back at the shelter, waiting again for the right person.
Bandit showed me that what looks like aggression is often just a trauma response—a scared dog asking the world to give him space.
Jax – Your Confidence Shapes Theirs
Jax is…a weirdo. A German Shepherd (maybe Malinois mix) without a “job,” he’s a bundle of nerves, reactivity, and anxiety. He desperately wants structure and thrives when paired with a confident handler who shows him how to react, so he doesn’t have to make the decisions himself.
After five years in the shelter, it will take someone very special to give Jax the life he needs, but I still have hope for him. Of all the dogs I’ve met, Jax is probably the one I relate to most.
He taught me that our confidence directly shapes theirs.
Final Thoughts
These dogs—and so many others—have taught me lessons about trust, resilience, love, and patience. Some of them found homes, some never will, but each of them changed me for the better.
I know I’ll write about more of these amazing pups in the future, but for now, I’ll carry the lessons Chance, Damon, Creed, Daisy, Bandit, and Jax gave me wherever I go.
And Happy National Dog Day to all the pups out there!
The Katz Nest 
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