The dog, weakened by neglect and malnutrition, was barely able to move. Yet, her eyes held a glimmer of hope as she looked at her rescuers. The vet team immediately began working to stabilize her condition and treat her severe malnutrition.
Sadly, some owners who decide to welcome a dog to their home don’t think it through, and they end up surrendering their dogs and hurting their feelings.
Drake, a sweet and faithful dog, experienced one of the biggest heartbreaks in his life after his family surrendered him to Prince George’s County Animal Shelter in Maryland because they didn’t have time for him.
Hurt and confused, the adorable Drake didn’t understand why he lost the only home he ever knew.
The Rescue Steps In
The shelter staff and volunteers welcomed Drake with open arms, showering him with love and affection.
Ilona, a dedicated volunteer and foster parent, recalls her first encounter with Drake.
“What struck me most about Drake was his big head, wide grin, and muscular build,” Ilona told GeoBeats Animals.
Drake quickly became a favorite at the shelter, greeting everyone with a wagging tail and a cheerful smile.
Soon, the rescue received the best news. The loving dog had an adopter. He was excited and overjoyed to move in with his family.
Unfortunately, Drake’s doggy sibling didn’t accept him into the family. Three weeks later, Drake’s adoptive family decided to give him up and return him to the rescue.
Upon his return, the pup started showing signs of anxiety.
The doggo needed a loving foster family that could give him stability and help him heal his emotional wounds.
The rescue contacted Ilona, asking if she could foster Drake after his adoptive family surrendered him.
Ilona and her husband decided to take him in. They had a small baby and their own dog, Honey Pie, but they were resolved to do whatever it took to make it work.
When Drake arrived at their home, he was under-socialized and unsure of everything.
The rescue contacted a dog trainer from Dog Latin Dog Training and Behavior Consulting to help Drake overcome his anxiety. With proper training and love, Drake began to trust his foster family and gained confidence.
Drake looked up to Honey Pie and began to imitate her behavior. The two pups formed a strong bond and enjoyed going on walks together.
Drake is an affectionate dog who loves showering his foster family with kisses.
“Drake is incredibly fond of my husband and has a special bond with our baby,” Ilona shared. “Our baby often feeds Drake while he patiently sits under her high chair.”
The Pup Hopes To Find His Forever Family
In November 2023, Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue announced on Facebook that Drake had been transferred to Laila’s Legacy Animal Rescue.
Drake continued to thrive in the care of Ilona and her family, who cherished every moment with him.
Ilona and her husband want to continue fostering more dogs. It’s their life’s purpose. They feel that they wouldn’t be able to foster more dogs if they kept Drake.
We hope that this loving Maryland boi will find his forever family who will adore him like he deserves and who will never give up on him.
Drake will shower them with kisses and the love he saved only for them.