Adoption Success: Bodie

We are excited to share that our sweet boy, JJ (aka Bodhi), has officially been adopted by his foster family!

JJ lived isolated in an outdoor pen for many years, but outreach efforts like our Outdoor Dog Project made a difference in his life. Our team made continuous contact with JJ’s owners to lobby for better living conditions while supporting his care. After years of engagement, JJ was released to our custody last January, and was able start his rehabilitation and learn to trust people again.

When we take a dog like JJ into rescue, we know that it could be a longer-term commitment. There were many people who helped JJ along the way, from the volunteers who visited him regularly to monitor his care and engage his family, to his foster family in SC who took him in and allowed him time to decompress from years of mistreatment and confinement, and his foster mom, Karen, who has helped transform this once fearful dog into a more confident, happy pup. It took time and patience, but she gave him security while pushing his boundaries, took him on walks on the Reston trail and on her local errands to get him more comfortable with the outside world, and gradually exposed him to local festivals and trips to DC.

Initially, JJ was not receptive to his foster dad, Caesar, and had an inherent distrust of men. He also had some separation anxiety and escape-artist tendencies, bolting out the front door at the first opportunity to embrace his newfound freedom. JJ always returned, and would come running when he heard Karen’s voice, but we live in busy area and it needed to be addressed. We brought in a trainer to help JJ adjust to his new life, and he learned to sit and wait at the door, adjusted to alone time, and became more tolerant of his foster dad over time. He found a best friend in Kimah, Karen’s daughter’s dog who lives nearby, bonded to Karen’s kids and Caesar’s grandkids, found pure joy in the large fenced yard, and loved having a foster mom who worked from home. It was the perfect home for JJ.

Karen bonded to JJ quickly and wanted him to stay, but his relationship with Caesar needed to improve to make it official. JJ had adopter meetups along the way, but as a shyer dog with strangers, he didn’t make a quick connection. We think he knew he was going to stay at this awesome home, and was just biding his time.

Recently, JJ had a breakthrough and chose to cuddle in bed with Caesar. He will now curl up on the couch with him, and looks forward to his daily treat when Caesar comes home from work. As soon as Karen saw JJ’s progress with Caesar, she reached out to make JJ officially a part of their family. We are so happy for JJ, and thankful for Caesar’s patience with him. We are also excited that they plan to continue fostering to help more dogs like JJ find their way home. Thanks to Karen and Caesar for the patience and love they showed to JJ, and to all the fosters out there who are changing the lives of these worthy dogs.

Help us save more dogs like JJ – foster.worthydog.org