On August 15th, we adopted Bruno (formerly known as Chuckie) from CAC, just minutes before he was scheduled to be euthanized due to his quality of life declining in the shelter. Walking away was never an option for us—we knew he deserved a chance to know love, safety, and what it truly means to have a home.

When Bruno came to us, his condition broke our hearts. He had cuts all over his body, and his paws were raw and injured from self-harming behaviors brought on by the intense stress and anxiety of shelter life. He was thin, scared, and overwhelmed—but he was alive, and that mattered most.

Since coming home, Bruno has made incredible physical progress. All of his wounds have healed, and with proper care, consistency, and love, he has gained weight and is now at a healthy, ideal weight. His most recent vet visit confirmed that he is physically doing great. Seeing him finally comfortable in his own skin has been a gift we’ll never take for granted.

Now comes the hard part.

Once Bruno began to feel safe, we discovered that he suffers from severe anxiety. He is currently on medication to help manage it, but he has also developed behavioral challenges and habits that we’ve been trying to work through and redirect for the past several months. Despite our best efforts, love, and consistency, we are realizing that we are in over our heads—and that breaks our hearts to admit.

After speaking with professionals, we’ve been advised that a board-and-train program may be the best and safest option to help Bruno learn how to cope, regulate, and thrive. The most affordable reputable program we’ve found is $2,500.

We’ve been saving what we can, but like many families, we are struggling with our own day-to-day life expenses. Asking for help does not come easily to us, but we know that Bruno deserves every chance possible. We refuse to give up on him when he has already come so far.

We are asking for help so Bruno can receive the structured, professional training he needs to live a calmer, happier life—and so we can become the best humans possible for him. Any amount, any share, and any support means more than we can put into words.

Thank you for believing in Bruno, for giving him a chance, and for helping us ensure that his story continues—stronger, safer, and full of hope. ❤️