Last updated: 21 Mar, 2023
Published on: 14 Feb, 2022
Arlo’s special journey to his new home 💚
“In my experience, there are no perfect dogs or humans out there. We all come with our own quirks, idiosyncrasies, and baggage but that doesn't mean we are any less wonderful or awesome.” - Brooke
With the right support for the pet and humans involved, there can be a happy ending for everyone! We love special guy Arlo’s story of finding his new home, thanks to the never-ending dedication and love of the people around him.
Meet Arlo
Last year, animal behaviour trainer Brooke Foy from The Positive Pet Project reached out to our Home2Home team on behalf of adorable boy Arlo and his owners. Brooke had been working with Arlo and his family for several months to manage his anxiety. Arlo had been making progress but his owners had come to the sad realisation that their busy household just wasn’t the right fit - Arlo needed a new home. The amazing Brooke had developed a strong connection to Arlo and his family, and volunteered her time to work with the H2H team to find Arlo a special new home.
Getting Arlo Ready For Home2Home
“Having Brooke on board meant that Arlo could safely enter the Home2Home program,” said Susan, Home2Home’s own qualified behavioural trainer, “and offering continued support to the new owners meant Arlo would have the best chance at success in a new home.”
The team worked closely with Brooke to write a detailed adoption profile for Arlo, being upfront and honest about needing a family with a quiet home, who were willing to continue his ongoing training and anxiety medication while still highlighting his wonderful traits; he is a handsome, clever boy who loves spending time with his people.
Finding a home for a dog with anxiety takes time and patience, and Brooke continued to help Arlo to become a more relaxed, yet mentally stimulated dog through training. Directing his energy into enrichment games meant that Arlo had less time and energy to worry, and food dispensing toys gave him an opportunity to just have fun.
“The enrichment activities provided can also help build confidence and self-esteem just like we might be proud of a particular piece of work we have done or created.” - Brooke
Preparing Arlo for a Paw-tential New Home
After a few months, Brooke was excited to see an email from the perfect family come through, and quickly organised a meet and greet! Jenny and Andrew had realistic expectations around what adopting a dog is like, and were keen to learn more about Arlo and how to make him feel as comfortable as possible in their home. Arlo picked up on this quickly, and even on their first meet became more and more comfortable, enjoying all the pats and cuddles!
“This wouldn't have been possible without the Home2Home program. I had no other way to get Arlo in front of enough people who were looking for a new dog to have found his perfect home. I am so grateful that they were willing to accept him into the program.” - Brooke
Brooke, Jenny and Andrew took their time getting to know Arlo. This involved first meeting at a park that Brooke regularly took Arlo to, that he associated with fun and treats and that he was comfortable in. Once he got to know the family and was happy and excited to be around them, he visited the family’s home, and after he was comfortable there, they started taking him on sniffy walks around their neighbourhood. Bringing Arlo’s belongings (his crate, bed, harness blankets, food and bowls) also helped with his anxiety levels as he was familiar with these items and their smells.
Great News for Arlo!
The Home2Home team were overjoyed when they received the email they’d been hoping for… Jenny and Andrew had officially adopted Arlo! 🥳️ Brooke attributes the success of the adoption to the realistic expectations that Jenny and Andrew had for Arlo, and their willingness to start building the relationship with Arlo and making him feel comfortable before he’d even moved in. His new family was committed to following all of Brooke’s training suggestions, and asked her lots of questions, as well as discussing Arlo and his needs with friends, family and a behaviour vet first.
Even with his different quirks and baggage, Arlo has found an amazing home, and it shows that time, patience and working with a qualified behavioural trainer can be absolutely life changing for a pet.
Find help from a qualified behavioural trainer via the Pet Professional Guild.
The Home2Home Program
Home2Home, PetRescue’s owner assistance service helps keep pets safe and out of a broken system. Backed by an experienced team, Home2Home has helped many pet owners rehome, and in many cases, provide advice and information that can assist them to work through the hurdles to find ways to be able to keep their pet. Because of experiences like Arlo’s, PetRescue has discovered that with the right support, the H2H program can be opened up to even more pets.
Your donation can ensure that we can keep programs like Home2Home running and continue to help pet owners in need. Donate here.