Beau’s story is the type you hear often in dog rescue. He was neglected, on the street, taken in and at risk of being put down. He had a small window of time to be saved, but thankfully someone stepped up.

Beau at Animal Services, waiting for that special someone.

Beau was found on the street by animal control, and taken to Animal Services with an embedded collar. Embedded collars occur when dogs are tethered and neglected for a long period, causing their skin to grow over their collars. Beau got away somehow. He was found as a stray and taken to Animal Services. This was his chance at a better life.

Beau got lucky. He was randomly chosen to participate in a training program with other dogs and volunteers every Friday. Making friends with other dogs and people he became one of the star students. But one day Beau didn’t show up to class. His volunteer handler was confused. “Do I get a new dog… but… WHERE is Beau,” she worried. Beau was in 2-week quarantine to be sent to a rescue in New England. The shelter does this to make sure they don’t send sick dogs to rescues. Before they leave for transport, the dogs are evaluated by a veterinarian. This was GREAT NEWS for Beau. Not many dogs get this chance. But, Beau didn’t pass his veterinary examination before transport, and the rescue who wanted him decided he wasn’t good enough for them anymore. Turns out Beau had ringworm which can be quite annoying to treat on animals. Unfortunately, Beau was sent back to Animal Services, and this time had to be kept in isolation so he wouldn’t contaminate other animals. No one knew he was there. His handler, who’d made a point to keep tabs on him during this process, was the only person outside of Animal Services staff who knew Beau was still in the building. Apparently Animal Services sent out a plea to rescues asking them to please step up and take Beau, but they never heard back. Beau was running out of time, and his life was about to be cut short.

His handler couldn’t stand the thought of Beau dying because of ringworm, which she laughed “It’s embarrassing to say but, I’ve had it myself, and it’s really not that big of a deal.”  So, she took him in as her foster. It was a rough start, getting Beau acclimated to living in a home, which he clearly had no experience doing. He was terrified to walk down hallways and refused to be in the same room as a television that was playing anything. He was withdrawn, scared to be touched and spent all his time curled up in the corner. Committed to making it work, his handler’s family decided to adopt Beau and work on his issues. They’re happy to announce that after 9 months Beau is now completely adjusted and living the life of his dreams. He gets daily walks, two dog brothers to play with, a huge yard to chase squirrels in and a big family of people to love on him. This is Beau’s happily ever after.

From his handler: “Beau is in heaven, and so are we.”