Everyone loves a happy ending.
Think about your favourite books or movies—would they have the same impact if they ended on a sad note?
Recently, we shared a heartwarming story about a mixed-breed dog named Paddy, who was finally adopted after spending 729 days at The Cochrane and Area Humane Society. It was a joyful conclusion to her long wait, and the celebration video went viral.
But unlike in movies, real life doesn’t stop at the perfect moment.
Paddy’s adoption left us wondering, “What happened to Paddy after she arrived at her new home?”
Sometimes, despite our best intentions, things don’t go as planned. After nearly two years in the shelter, how has Paddy adjusted to life in a suburban home?
Here’s the latest on Paddy’s journey.
The Back Story
Humane societies across Alberta are seeing lower adoption rates and higher surrender rates than ever, resulting in shelters overflowing with cats and dogs waiting to be adopted.
Older dogs, dogs with medical issues, black dogs, and dogs with behaviour issues take the longest to be adopted.
In Paddy’s case, a behavioural issue kept her at the shelter for so long.
Paddy was born at the shelter six years ago and, sadly, was returned to the Cochrane shelter when she was four years old. Paddy then waited to be adopted for almost two years.
It took so long because Paddy was reactive to other dogs, especially when she was on a leash.
A leash-reactive dog barks, growls, and pulls in response to other dogs. Surprisingly, many leash-reactive dogs do perfectly well with other dogs when off-leash. But in towns like Cochrane, where dogs must be leased when walked, having a reactive dog is, at best, embarrassing and, at worst, dangerous.
Even though Paddy is a big suck with people, her dog reactivity made her less desirable for adoption.
The trainers and dog walkers at the Cochrane shelter work hard to help reactive dogs learn to walk quietly on a leash.
Fortunately, the new owners knew precisely the challenges they would face with Paddy.
So? How is Paddy Doing?
Like a happy Disney movie, Paddy’s journey has been surprisingly positive.
According to her new family, “Paddy has been with us now for two weeks! She has made our house a home, and we are enjoying every second we spend with her. The change we see in her is remarkable! She is so happy. She starts each day with a wagging tail, pep in her step, and a smile on her face. She jumps on top of us in the morning to let us know she’s ready to start the day!”
The new owners report that she is much less anxious daily and is a fast learner. She knows she isn’t allowed on the sofa but hops up when everyone goes to bed, only to jump off the couch just before the family gets up. Clever girl!
The new owners told members of their community about Paddy, and the other dog walkers in the neighbourhood give her space to pass. Each day, she improves with guidance and love from her new owners.
Paddy has become a celebrity in the neighbourhood, and anyone without a dog comes over to greet her and say hello. Did we mention Paddy loves people?
Paddy’s new family sums it up nicely. “We know she had excellent care at the shelter, but we try to make each day special for her to make up for the two years she wasn’t a part of a family and a home. Overall, Paddy is doing great! We have work and training to continue with her. She’s a work in progress, but she’s so worth it!”
Not that is the real happy ending we hoped for!
