In August, Teddy was sentenced to euthanasia due to his anxious nature. He had been labeled “dangerous,” “unpredictable,” and “unadoptable.” But what many others and I saw wasn’t a bad dog — we saw a dog living in a trauma-reactive state. A dog whose nervous system had been in survival mode for far too long. A dog who had never truly been given the chance to feel safe.

We couldn’t let his story end that way. So I brought him home, knowing he would need time, patience, and structure — and I committed to giving him that chance.

Since coming home, Teddy has worked incredibly hard. He has completed 10 training sessions with multiple trainers, along with consistent follow-up work with me and the other dogs. Slowly and patiently, he has begun forming new, trusting relationships — not only with adults, but even with children, which used to be one of his biggest challenges. Seeing him gently coexist around kids after once being so fearful has been a powerful reminder that he is not “dangerous.” He is healing.

Watching him soften, even in small moments, has shown me that underneath the anxiety and fear is a dog who deeply wants connection.

But healing from trauma is not linear.

Despite the progress, Teddy still struggles with high anxiety. His body often remains on alert, and everyday environments can overwhelm him. We’ve reached a point where, despite consistent structure and training, it’s clear he needs a more immersive and professionally guided environment to continue building confidence and learning how to regulate his fear.

After consulting with professionals, we believe placing Teddy in a dedicated rehabilitation training facility is the next best step. In this setting, he will receive:

• Daily structured guidance

• Controlled exposure work

• Confidence-building exercises

• Professional support tailored to anxious, trauma-reactive dogs

• A stable environment designed for long-term behavioral change

The cost of the rehabilitation program is $1,200 for the first month and $600 for each additional month after that.

This decision has not been easy. It is a financial stretch, but we are committed to giving Teddy the best possible chance at a stable, fulfilling life. Rescue was only the first step — saving his life was just the beginning. Now he needs the tools to truly feel safe in the world.

If you’re able to donate, any amount helps bring him closer to that future. If you can’t contribute financially, sharing his story means just as much.

Dogs like Teddy — the anxious ones, the misunderstood ones — are often the first to be written off. I chose to believe he was worth fighting for.

With your help, we can give him the foundation he needs to finally exhale.

Thank you for helping me continue his second chance.

With gratitude,

BG