Auggie, A Very Special Dog
We're excited to share the story of GBR Auggie, who has blossomed over the past year with the help of an incredible team.
Celebrate his victories with us, be inspired by what is possible, and consider opening your heart and home to our amazing Auggie.
His Story
Auggie came to his most recent foster a year ago loud, anxious and overwhelmed. He was unable to tolerate other dogs, neighborhood noises and passers-by, ceiling fans, or dogs on TV screens. He couldn't make eye contact and didn’t know how to relax. He was fortunate to land with the most dedicated and skilled foster and get world-class care from Dr. Chris Pachel at Animal Behavior Clinic and the behavior and training team at Instinct Dog Behavior & Training. Today he's evolved into a thoughtful, trusting companion who proves that with patience and understanding, incredible transformations are possible.
We're happy to share Auggie 2.0 with you.
Who is Auggie 2.0? What makes Auggie so special?
Auggie is the most resilient dog you'll ever meet. His journey hasn't been easy, but this handsome five-year-old Labrador has shown an extraordinary capacity for growth and learning that will take your breath away.
Intelligence and Eagerness to Learn: Auggie has been attending "school" three times weekly, working one-on-one with trainers to build his confidence and coping skills. He's quickly mastered impressive tricks like filing his own nails on a sanding board and asking politely to go outside. He retrieves toys with perfect manners during fetch and has learned to work with his people to communicate his needs.
A Gentle Soul: The transformation in Auggie's demeanor is truly astounding. Where there was once panic and unrest, you'll now find a dog with a quiet, patient, relaxed gaze full of trust and peace. He chooses to rest quietly beside his foster person in the evenings and contentedly snuggles back into bed after breakfast—a picture of serenity.
Playful Spirit: Auggie is the consummate Court Jester; funny, silly, and looking for laughs. The joy he expresses, from blowing bubbles in the bath to his goofy thunderous yawns, speaks volumes about how safe and happy he feels now.
The Thing: Auggie has anxiety. It will always be part of who he is. He has many skills to calm himself, and he has learned to use them on his own. With your help, and with the ongoing aid of medication and avoiding his stressors, Auggie will continue to overcome his anxiety and thrive.
Perfect Indoor Companion: Auggie naps peacefully during the day and handles being alone with complete confidence. He's learned to stay calm for extended periods and rarely feels the need to be on guard anymore.
Auggie is Looking For...
If Auggie could talk, he would say he’s looking for a relationship! Patient, understanding people who appreciate his uniqueness and are committed to his future success. He's not destined to be a social urban butterfly, greeting everyone at a busy farmers market, but he doesn't need to be. With continued support and his remarkable capacity for growth, he's evolving into the lovable, sweet companion he's meant to be—and that is more than enough.
Auggie's most essential needs are really not different from what any of our dogs need to thrive, but they are more crucial to his success:
- Enrichment - Opportunities to do doggie things such as sniffing, licking and chewing, using his brain to work on puzzle toys, connecting with his special person through training.
- Understanding his abilities and working within his limitations. Keeping him below threshold and engaging in the world in a positive way.
- Being proactive about managing his environment for success; for example, covering his crate in the car.
Auggie's current training schedule will begin to scale back, but he will continue to need structure and ongoing training. He does not need to live with an expert, but he does need someone who is interested in working with him, is willing to learn new skills, and practice the best ways to support his needs.
Your Reward
Once you’ve established a relationship, when you look into Auggie's soulful eyes now, you will see something magical—a connection that wasn't possible a short time ago. You will see trust, peace, and the deep contentment of a dog who finally knows what it means to feel safe and understood. His heavy blonde head on your lap and his relaxed sighs confirm this, and the way he now looks to you for reassurance is proof of his incredible progress.
Auggie is a hoot, and will make you laugh every day. This is a silly dog; when given what he needs, life is a giant caper, and he’ll draw you in. Life is better with Auggie.
If you haven't had the opportunity to work with a behavioral trainer, you will learn a great deal, which will give you a new perspective and deeper connection with dogs.
Auggie Comes With...
Ongoing behavior support provided by Golden Bond Rescue. We are committed to ensuring that Auggie will continue to thrive.
Support from a dedicated team of volunteers who absolutely adore him. They will help both in a transition to a new home and into the future.
And, of course, his favorite stuffie!
