Doug’s journey from stray to cherished family member
Meet Doug, a delightful five-year-old American Bulldog who has transformed from a resilient stray into a beloved family member. Doug’s journey began at the Ontario Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre in Cornwall, where he arrived in unfortunate circumstances – underweight and grappling with skin problems. Found wandering the streets of Cornwall, he was brought to the centre by a compassionate individual who recognized his urgent need for help.
It was clear Doug had been through a lot. He was emaciated and his coat appeared dull and patchy during the routine examination. The shelter environment seemed to further overwhelm him. “Doug was highly stressed in a shelter environment, displaying signs of anxiety. He barked a lot and had trouble finding peace,” says Candice Gordon, Manager of the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre.
Yet, beneath his anxious exterior, Doug had a gentle soul. Whenever anyone from the staff visited him, he would instinctively curl up in their laps, craving affection and comfort. Doug was placed in a foster home where he began to blossom.
When Hayley, one of the animal centre’s dedicated foster volunteers, welcomed Doug into her home, she was excited, but didn’t know how Doug would settle into his new surroundings. “At first, he was shy and apprehensive around my dad, barking to maintain some distance. However, we connected immediately,” she says. Over the next few weeks, Doug steadily gained weight until he was healthy enough for his neuter surgery – a pivotal moment in his journey!
The day of Doug’s surgery was bittersweet for Hayley. The emotions hit her hard as she realized this would be one of the last moments she shared with him before the adoption process began.
“It was tough to say goodbye,” she says. “I even called the SPCA half an hour later to let them know I wanted to adopt him! I picked him up that same day, and he has been part of our family ever since.”
Now, Doug flourishes in his forever home, embodying sweetness and joy. He’s always up for an adventure but never refuses a cozy cuddle at the day’s end.
“Doug is healthy, with no fears about food or love. He has plenty of space to run and play, and his happiness fills our hearts. We truly love him!” says Hayley.
Hayley’s experience in fostering opened her eyes to the transformative bond between people and animals. “Even though my first fostering was a joyful failure. I absolutely plan to foster again. It enriches life for both the animals and us,” she says.
Interested in becoming a foster volunteer for the Ontario and Humane Society? Visit our website to learn more and apply today!
