07/29/2026
Some reunions don’t happen in days, weeks, or even months… sometimes they take almost 10 years.
Back in 2017, I found out about a couple of puppies living outside in the dirt at a trailer park. Their mama had severe mastitis & couldn’t nurse them, so I talked the owner into giving them to me & started bottle-feeding them. At first, their owner wouldn’t let me take mom, but a few days later he changed his mind, & I was able to get her too.
Mom went on to an incredible home. One of the puppies was adopted by one of my close friends who’s an amazing dog trainer. And this guy…
Well, this guy was different.
I begged to keep him, but when I left a terrible relationship, I made the impossible decision to leave him behind. At the time, I truly believed he would be loved and cared for, even if it broke my heart. Let me be clear I was worried about my safety - but not his - my ex loved this dog more than he ever did me. I still refused to ever change his microchip out of my name in hopes we’d someday cross paths again.
A few days ago, I got the call asking if I could take him back.
Without hesitation, I said yes.
Seeing him again has been emotional in ways I can’t even put into words. Every once in a while he’ll do something that reminds me of the goofy little puppy I bottle-fed & raised.
But he’s also almost 10 years older now, & I have to be honest with myself with the fact that I don’t really know this dog anymore.
Right now we’re taking things one day at a time. He’s decompressing in my now, amazing boyfriend’s quiet home & we will slowly and safely introduce him to my crew at my house. If he ends up thriving with my dogs, he’ll stay exactly where he belongs. If he tells me he’d rather spend his golden years in a calm, one-dog home, then that’s what I’ll find for him.
As much as I have dreamed about getting him back all these years, this has to be about what’s best for him, not what I want.
No matter how this story ends, I am unbelievably grateful that I get the chance to advocate for him & love him again.
Welcome back, Maddox. I’ve missed you more than you’ll ever know 🩶🩶