09/04/2026
💜 BLAKE IS BACK… and this time, we know a little more about exactly what he needs. 💜
Sometimes rescue teaches us things about a dog that we simply couldn't know until they experience something new.
And this week, Blake taught us something really important about himself.
Blake was adopted, and we were SO excited for him. ❤️
But on his very first night in a completely new environment, this sweet boy became overwhelmed.
Remember—Blake has spent essentially his entire life in rescue.
He knows love. He knows people. He knows other dogs.
But living inside a home, having a backyard, and suddenly being surrounded by completely unfamiliar sights, sounds, smells and routines?
That's still very new to him.
During his first night, Blake jumped the fence. Thankfully, he was safely gotten back into the yard, but by that point he was scared and wasn't comfortable coming back inside.
His new family did what they could to keep him safe and reached out to us for help. Ultimately, everyone agreed that the best thing for Blake was to come back to the people and environment he knew.
There are no bad guys in this story. 💜
Just a very scared dog, a family faced with a situation they weren't expecting, and a rescue that learned something incredibly valuable about what Blake will need next time.
And now we know a little more.
🐾 Blake needs a slow transition.
For the beginning, Blake needs to be securely leashed every single time he goes outside—even in a fenced yard. His new family cannot rely on a fence alone while he's adjusting.
He needs time to learn:
This is my yard.
This is my house.
These are my people.
I am safe here.
Inside, he may pace. He may seem unsure. He may not immediately understand that the comfy couch and dog bed are actually meant for him.
We've already watched him make progress with those things, though. 🥹
We've seen Blake relax on the couch.
We've watched him stretch out on a dog bed and happily chew his bone.
We've seen glimpses of the dog Blake will become when he finally realizes he doesn't have to worry anymore.
And that dog is SO worth waiting for.
Blake is incredibly loving. He adores people. He's affectionate and sweet. ❤️
We also know Blake has done well with kids and other dogs. But because we're still learning what helps him feel most secure, we're going to be thoughtful about the home environment we choose for him this time.
An older-kid household may be the best fit while he's adjusting. And when it comes to another dog, Blake may do best with a calm, easygoing canine companion who won't overwhelm him. We may ask for dog introductions/meet-and-greets before adoption—or we may find that being the only dog is what allows Blake to settle in most comfortably.
We're still learning this part of Blake's story, too. And that's okay. Our job isn't to rush him into another home. It's to use everything he's teaching us to find the right one. 💜
Blake doesn't need a perfect adopter.
He needs a patient one.
Someone willing to keep him safe while his world gets bigger.
Someone who understands that adjusting may take weeks—not hours.
Someone who will celebrate the tiny victories with him.
And someone who, when Blake isn't quite sure yet, will simply keep showing him:
“You're safe. I'm not rushing you. We have time.” ❤️
Blake is back with people he knows and loves, and we're going to try again.
This time, we know him a little better.
And that means we're one step closer to finding the home that's exactly right for him. 🏡🐾
Please share Blake. His story isn't starting over—we're just learning how to write the next chapter. 💜
