At eight weeks old,An adopted bully mix named Thunder is a great role model for foster puppies that his “mom” takes in.His prior experience as a service dog prepared him well for this very special position in his new family
Thunder was originally trained to be a service dog, but he ended up leaving the program. Anne, a regular foster mom at an all-volunteer rescue organization called Hope Animal Rescue, looked after him in preparation for his adoption. Thunder’s general behavior was perfect because of his previous training. He loved all the people and other dogs he met.
Before they placed Thunder for adoption, the rescue center went through a very thorough process to make sure that he would get the right family. However, the neighbors were not comfortable with him because of his breed. Sadly, Thunder’s family returned him to the rescue center. Anne continued to search for his forever family to no avail.
Here is a link to a story about a neighbor who hated pit bulls and the heartache it caused. https://happymutt.org/affectionate-family-pet-or-aggressive-fighting-dog/
How Thunder came to be a role model for foster puppies
After a couple of months of making her best effort to find him a suitable forever home, Anne decided to keep Thunder herself! Anne officially adopted him and he automatically helped her with the foster puppies that were subsequently assigned to them.
When Anne took in a couple of newborn puppies, Thunder attentively watched while she bottle-fed them. As soon as the puppies were finally old enough, he was allowed to play with them. Thunder gently encouraged them to engage in play with him. Not once was he aggressive towards the little ones. When playtime was over, he cuddled up with them.
The puppies, Fig and Fern, looked up to Thunder and followed him around wherever he went. They learned to obey basic commands by watching him. (Puppy see, Puppy do) Thunder was the perfect role model for the foster puppies.
At eight weeks old, Fig and Fern were adopted . It was very obvious to Anne that Thunder was sad for the first few days after they left. He missed his puppy friends. However, after a few more days, he cheered up again because new foster pups had arrived!
Thunder loved caring for foster puppies as much as Anne did. There was true joy on his face when he interacted with the puppies.
Screenshot of Thunde from agirlandherpibble via Instagram
Photo of Adult Pit Bull and Pups Courtesy of Pexel
