With the car loaded, cooler in the backseat, we set off on the Miami freeway. It was October 2020, amidst the unpredictable phases of the pandemic, opening and closing down, moment by moment. As we barreled down the highway, checking email, we were suddenly confirmed for a three-week photography job requiring travel. Looking at the long stretch of road to Atlanta ahead, the thought arose: Maybe we need to postpone this. We were, after all, on our way to pick up a foster dog, embarking on a new phase in our personal ‘Story Of Big Puppys’ journeys.
Let me explain…
A Once In a Lifetime Love
In 2018, we experienced the profound loss of one of the loves of our lives: Axl. He was our first fur-baby, rescued from a commercial construction site where Chad was working. Early in our relationship, we bonded over a shared love for animals, especially those without families. My background as a fashion photographer’s assistant led me to photograph animals at my local Humane Society, and together, Chad and I began volunteering, walking dogs weekly. Axl was that ‘once in a lifetime’ companion. We shared everything with him, except some travels. We even fostered puppies and kittens, with Axl playing the role of the ‘big dog’ assistant. We became adept at juggling destination photography with pet ownership. When he passed away in 2018, life without him felt unimaginable.
Axl, a golden-brown dog with a bandana, lying down in a grassy field
Axl, a brown dog, sitting next to a woman in a field with mountains in the background
Moving On Through Fostering Big Dogs
After Axl’s passing, we shifted to fostering larger dogs. Our first foster was a 165 lb. Great Dane named Polo. Fostering provided a way to open our home and hearts during a tender time. Polo’s affection was incredibly therapeutic after losing Axl. Fostering revealed the unique ways different breeds show love and connected us with a soul who needed our love in return. While Polo was with us, we helped raise funds for necessary eye surgery and eventually found him a forever home. He remains special to us.
A white Great Dane, Polo, lying on a wooden deck
Polo the Great Dane sitting next to a manFollowing Polo, we welcomed Foster Troy, arguably the wildest and most unruly pup we’d encountered, yet also the most hilarious. I’m convinced he was a divine test of Chad’s patience! Despite pushing all of Chad’s buttons, they shared a handsome portrait moment. Troy became our quarantine buddy. His adoption left a void, but Chad wasn’t ready for “our” next dog, and our work schedule was demanding. Yet, life had other plans.
A large brindle dog, Troy, lying on a couch with his head resting on the armrest
A man and a large brindle dog, Troy, looking out a window
Learning New Tricks and Unexpected Arrivals
In October 2020, an Instagram message arrived from a high school acquaintance. She’d followed our fostering journey and had recently rescued a 9-month-old Newfoundland/Standard Poodle mix herself. She described the dog as “amazing” but also “rambunctious” and “unruly.” Despite having the dog for less than three weeks, she needed to rehome her immediately. We instantly offered assistance. The dog needed transport from North Carolina to Miami, so we offered to pick her up in Atlanta. Which led us to that moment on the freeway, questioning the timing amidst a new job.
We called the acquaintance to suggest postponing for a few weeks due to our travel plans. Her reply was stark: “I can’t last a few weeks. I have her (the dog) in a crate in the garage and I try to let her out a couple of times a day.” Our immediate response: “We’ll be there in 8 hours.”
Understanding Underdogs: Beyond Breed Trends
We were navigating the pandemic’s chaos, like everyone else, and certainly weren’t seeking a “forever dog,” let alone a ‘doodle.’ Now, for those who reacted with surprise at the mention of ‘doodle,’ allow me to explain. Years of volunteering at shelters, looking into the eyes of countless dogs and cats, have shown me how many incredible purebred animals end up in the rescue system.
The harsh reality is that breeding, breed trends, and the purchase of designer breeds contribute to millions of dogs remaining unadopted and euthanized annually. Approximately 6.5 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year, and about 1.5 million are euthanized. While this is an improvement from 2.6 million in 2011, it still equates to over 4000 animals killed each day. The statistics reveal that about 34% of dogs are purchased from breeders, directly impacting the lives of millions of shelter dogs lost each year.
Rue—our imminent new housemate—exemplified this issue. She was likely a pricey Christmas present puppy, purchased for thousands, then given away due to lack of training and misunderstanding her breed characteristics. Similar to how amazing dogs like Polo and Troy—purebred Great Danes—found themselves needing homes. Let me be clear: I am not anti-Doodle. My stance is firmly against breeding trends and designer dog breeding practices that bear no responsibility for the inevitable loss of animal lives.
Rue: A Dog Finds Her Home
Our initial agreement was straightforward: we would foster her, train her, get her spayed, and find her a forever home. When we reached Atlanta, we met a 10-month-old, 65 lb. puppy lacking any training, whose size had become unmanageable for our contact. This was Rue.
Rue, a large Newfoundland/Poodle mix puppy, sitting with her tongue outHaving already been in two homes in less than a year, she clearly needed to catch up, and we were ready to help. Her health was the first priority: spaying, vaccinations, and gaining weight. Once she settled into a routine and we addressed her health, training became paramount. She had no leash experience, minimal socialization, and her first 10 months had left her bullish. In the wrong hands, she could potentially bite, not out of malice, but due to lacking crucial early socialization. Instead of learning playful social cues, she likely resorted to rough play as a defense mechanism in homes without clear boundaries.
A person’s hands gently holding Rue’s large paw
Rue the puppy looking up at a personAs months passed, it became clear that her training progress demanded a commitment beyond that of “normal” pet owners. We worried about her future without continuous guidance. And as time naturally flowed, despite our initial insistence on just being “foster parents”—it was undeniable that Rue was already home. Not only was she content, but so were we. So, we made the decision to adopt her.
Rue the large puppy playing outside with a toy
Rue the puppy lying on the grass with her head on a person’s legsIn the uniquely unpredictable way rescue dogs enter lives, Rue arrived without us searching for a “forever dog,” least of all a Newfoundland/Poodle mix. Yet, she brought precisely what the universe knew we needed: a commitment to patience through training and growth, and her boundless, bullish enthusiasm for life. Rue knows only how to experience life at 110%.
With her bear paws and a look reminiscent of Chewbacca, Rue’s enthusiasm brings smiles and laughter to everyone she meets, including us. And, she imparted the most crucial lesson, one I needed to revisit deeply: It’s never the dog’s fault, and we shouldn’t burden any animal with human failings. Instead, my focus is on demonstrating that any dog can be rescued – big, small, designer breed, mutt, or otherwise.
Rue, a large fluffy dog, sitting on a floor
Rue the dog looking happy while outsideThe universe consistently provides what you need, and often, it looks entirely different than expected, arriving precisely when you least anticipate it. Rue’s legacy is living life fully and proving that “Rescue” is truly the finest breed. Yes, you can rescue any dog imaginable. If you need guidance, feel free to reach out; I’m happy to help.
Meanwhile, follow Rue’s ongoing adventures and training journey on my Instagram. We envision her spreading her zest for life by becoming a therapy dog. I hope her story of big puppys transformation serves as a reminder that with enough patience and commitment, any dog can reach their true potential.
Rue, a large fluffy brown dog, standing happily in a field
Rue the large fluffy dog sitting in a field, looking towards the camera
Interested in giving back by fostering animals?
Here’s How I Got Started:
References:
WHY I FOSTER ANIMALS
