When we first hug our dogs and welcome them into our lives, we promise them that they will be by our side through thick and thin. Our canine companions feel safe, knowing that our home is where they belong.
Unfortunately, some owners don’t fully consider the responsibilities that come with bringing a dog into their home. As a result, they may end up surrendering their dogs, causing emotional pain and confusion.
Drake, a sweet and loyal dog, experienced one of the greatest heartbreaks of his life when his family surrendered him to Prince George’s County Animal Shelter in Maryland because they no longer had time for him.
Confused and heartbroken, Drake couldn’t understand why he had lost the only home he had ever known.
The Rescue Steps In
The shelter staff and volunteers welcomed Drake, showering him with affection and comforting him.
Ilona, a volunteer at the shelter and a foster for various rescues, vividly remembers the first time she saw Drake.
“The first thing that caught my eye about him was how he looks. He’s got that big old head and a big grin and this muscly little body,” Ilona shared with GeoBeats Animals.
Drake quickly grew fond of his shelter friends, always greeting them with a wagging tail and a wide smile on his adorable face.
However, due to a ban on owning Pit Bulls in Prince George’s County, Drake couldn’t be adopted by anyone within the county. This left him at high risk of being put down to free up space at the overcrowded shelter.
When Drake’s name appeared on the euthanasia list, one of the shelter employees knew they had to act fast to save him.
man holding the dog
They reached out to Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue, asking if they could rescue Drake. The rescue agreed and pulled him from the shelter.
Drake spent a few days in a temporary foster home before moving to a full-time foster family. However, due to a family emergency, they couldn’t keep him long-term, and Drake was returned to his temporary foster.
Drake Goes Through Another Disappointment
dog lying on black mat
Soon, the rescue received what seemed to be good news: Drake had found an adopter. He was overjoyed to move in with his new family.
Sadly, Drake’s new doggy sibling didn’t accept him, and after just three weeks, the family decided to give him up, returning him to the rescue.
Upon his return, Drake began showing signs of anxiety. The pup desperately needed a loving foster family to provide stability and help him heal emotionally.
The rescue contacted Ilona, informing her that Drake’s adoptive family had surrendered him and asked if she could foster him.
A Foster Home Filled with Love
man and dog on a lawn
Ilona and her husband decided to take Drake in, despite having a small baby and their own dog, Honey Pie. They were determined to make it work.
When Drake arrived at their home, he was under-socialized and uncertain of everything.
The rescue reached out to the founder of Dog Latin Dog Training and Behavior Consulting to ensure Drake received proper care for his anxiety.
As Drake received the necessary training and lots of love from his foster family, he began to trust them and gain confidence. He started to feel much better.
photo of a dog named Drake
Drake looked up to Honey Pie and imitated her behavior. The two dogs became fast friends, enjoying their walks together.
Drake is an incredibly affectionate dog, always eager to shower his foster family with kisses.
“He really loves my husband, which is great. Then he loves our baby so much. They have an incredible bond,” Ilona added.
Drake’s little foster sister often feeds him while he patiently waits under her high chair.
The Pup Hopes to Find His Forever Family
close-up photo of dog
In November 2023, Vindicated Pit Bull Rescue announced on Facebook that Drake was transferred to Laila’s Legacy Animal Rescue.
Drake remains in the care of Ilona and her family, who cherish the time they spend with him and love him dearly.
“Drake, I love every moment with you. In so many ways, you’ve made me a better foster mom and a better person just by spending time with you,” Ilona shared.
Ilona and her husband want to continue fostering more dogs, which is their life’s purpose. They feel that they wouldn’t be able to foster more dogs if they kept Drake.
We hope that this loving Maryland pup will find his forever family who will adore him as he deserves and who will never give up on him.
Drake will undoubtedly shower them with kisses and the love he has saved just for them.
