Holden was seized by the police
and ended up at a kill shelter.
Holden’s former owner said he was old as dirt.
He just looked so sad and defeated that I felt like I had to rescue him.
We didn’t know what was wrong with him.
The vet did x-rays, there was a seven pound tumor attached to his spleen.
It was so large that he could barely breathe.
They weren’t sure Holden would even make it through the surgery
because he was so weak and emaciated.
But the surgery ended up going fantastically.
- There, that’s good. Okay!
- The tumor was removed along with his spleen.
And it turned out to be benign.
- Look at you wagging your tail!
Okay, let’s go!
I have now fostered over 500 dogs.
Once they’re happy and healthy we put them up for adoption
and find them their forever homes.
He just got home from a long car ride from the vet,
and now he’s very, very, very thirsty.
Go meet your buddies!
(Barking)
I’ve got dogs in and out because I pet sit and I foster.
About fifteen different dogs.
- Look at all the waggy tails.
- We brought him into the backyard and introduced him to everyone
and he could not have been more well-tempered with all of the dogs.
- This is Holden, he just got here.
- Hi Holden. - Hi buddy.
- He did fantastic.
He did well with my three year old daughter,
he did well with my cat.
- Holden, sit. Shake.
- He did well with my husband.
Wow!
For Holden’s adoption, I would love someone
that has the time and ability to give him a lot of attention.
He deserves it.
Oh, honey. Okay, you can do it.
Good boy!
The first time Holden came up my stairs, it made me so happy
that he was finally getting settled in,
and wanted to be where I was and where the other dogs were.
He’s going to curl up on that little, itty bitty dog bed.
Come on! Want to go for a walk?
Holden is going to meet someone who might want to adopt him.
- I’ve been following Holden’s journey.
And I live in a house with Elway, who is a lab mix.
- I do want it to go well.
Carole would be a fantastic home for Holden,
and he deserves the best.
We’ve got a lot of dogs here between pet sitting and fostering,
and I just think that he’d get more attention there.
- I’m really excited and anxious.
It’s like Christmas morning.
Hi Holden!
Oh my goodness, you’re so cute!
- You like her, don’t you buddy?
- Holden, can you shake? Okay, sit.
Oh my goodness, look at you! You are so smart!
Holden nuzzled his head into me and just wanted attention.
He just wanted to be pet.
- His little tail just thumping.
- Do you think maybe you found a new home? Huh?
I think so.
Holden came from an unfortunate circumstance.
He needs a new beginning,
and a home where he’s going to be loved and part of the family.
Melissa, I hate to leave him.
Look at him.
- Do you think Holden’s going to become a member of the family?
- I definitely do. We can make it official.
You’re going to fit in just perfect.
(Barking)
- Oh look, it’s your new mommy!
- Hi sweetie!
- He recognizes you. Look at his little tail.
It’s so cute! - Aw, hi pumpkin. Hi!
- Just to see him now holding his head up and wagging his tail
is extremely heartwarming.
You’re officially Holden’s mommy. - Yay!
Come on, buddy. Come on.
- We all love him very much,
but I know he’s going to a pretty fantastic home with Carole.
And I know he’s going to have very happy days.
- Good boy!
His prognosis may not have been very good in the beginning,
but he fought and recovered.
And he’s doing great.
He seems really anxious and excited to see what’s ahead.
We’re almost home, buddy.
You’re going to meet your brother.
Come on, bud. Good boy.
I know. I know.
Are you ready to go inside and meet Elway?
You’re going to meet Elway? Come on, Holden.
Hi Elway, this is Holden.
Say hi! Hi!
Elway, come here. Do you want to meet Holden?
Do you want to meet your new brother?
Oh, don’t squish him. Oh my goodness gracious.
He’s much more interested in people than he is dogs.
Elway, do you want to show Holden his new bed?
You could tell he was a little bit unsure at first
because Elway has such a huge presence.
Come on, Holden. You want to check everything out?
Look at your bed, bud.
Is he in your bed, buddy?
He went straight over to Elway’s bed instead of his bed.
I think he made himself at home right away.
Come here, buddy. Come here.
This is for you, Holden.
This is all yours. That’s yours.
Okay, we’re going to switch bowls.
Because we know everybody else’s is always better.
Okay, everyone want to go out? Let’s go out.
That is supposed to be for Holden.
What do you think? You like your yard?
What do you think of your new baby brother, huh?
What do you think?
I just want Holden to know that this is his forever home,
and that will never ever change.
Good boy!
He can just make himself at home and be comfortable.
He snuggles right in. He knows that he’s home.
Holden, are you tired?
Yeah, it was a big day today, huh?
It’s absolutely incredible what he’s been through.
He’s a fighter, that’s for sure.