Mr. Muggles, a 2-year-old mastiff mix abandoned on the streets, was taken by Arlington Animal Services and has been staying in their facility for more than 30 days. Each day that he stayed in the shelter brought him one day closer to euthanasia, unless he received a timely rescue.
His forlorn photo had been on the internet for a while, pleading for people who might want a dog for a pet. It was that sad pair of eyes on Facebook that got Judy Obregon, the founder of an animal rescue center in Fort Worth, driving to the animal shelter. Judy rescues dogs from the streets and shelters, helps them transition through foster homes, and finally find homes where they can live as part of a family.
Dogs in shelters can’t live there for extended periods. If no owners claim them or if no one adopts them, most shelters will euthanize them. These shelters don’t have the space or resources to keep every abandoned, sick, injured, or abused animal they find. Those with terminal conditions go first, but sooner or later, they would all have to go. This was the fate that Mr. Muggles faced.
Judy saw something in Mr. Muggles when she saw his pictures. The dog’s personality spoke through the photos, and Judy felt he had the potential to become somebody’s pet. She wanted to see and observe him up close, so she wasted no time.
RELATED: Adopting Older Preloved Dogs
On March 29, 2016, she finally had the chance to spend some time with him. They sat in the yard, and it didn’t take long before they really hit it off. It took less than half an hour, a rub on the belly and a lot of pats on the head. Mr. Muggles was comfortable with Judy right away, and Judy thought there was no way she was not leaving the shelter without the dog.
Mr. Muggles didn’t show any sign of distress or anxiety; if anything, he was excited to leave. It took just a little over 10 minutes before he settled comfortably in Judy’s car. It looked like he understood well enough that he was only be several steps away from a much better life. They drove to VCA Bedford Meadows Animal Hospital where Mr. Muggles would go through a 7-day evaluation and treatment by vets.
This procedure ensures that he is safe to the people and families who will eventually adopt him. Except for being slightly underweight with a few allergies and scars, Mr. Muggles was declared healthy by the doctors who evaluated him. They also noted that he had such a great personality and disposition.
On April 6, Mr. Muggles transitioned into a foster home where he interacts with humans, dogs and even other animals. A stay in foster homes helps animals rescued from shelters to blend more easily into the regular settings of home.
Judy continues to provide training, although Mr. Muggles already walks calmly on leash, obeys basic commands, and enjoys riding in cars. Before you buy a puppy, consider calling your local pet shelter or animal foster homes. Many animals need you, and your next pet could already be out there waiting for his permanent family.
