Hero: A Guardian Finds His Pack
- HavaHeart Rescue
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Maybe you’ve followed our Facebook story of our Hero, an abandoned young pup found tied to a tree. A dog so stressed, so anxious, that even the most well-meaning fosters and adopters couldn’t calm his fears. That is until…
The Search for the Perfect Fit Begins
After several foster and adoption homes failed due to Hero’s extreme PTSD, we realized the missing piece wasn't training—it was a specific environment and type of owner. He often bonded with women, but this big, sweet pile of fluff was challenging when he became stressed. Because of his working breed, this shepherd mix needed a "job" and a strong sense of purpose.
Hero Finds His Happy Place
Hero found his perfect match in Christina and Victor Rizzo, who shared the secret to their success.
Our Hero is settling in so well in his forever home. Our only regret is not applying for him sooner.
I knew from the moment I saw his photo that he was a special boy. There was something in his eyes, his face, his personality, that reminded me of our gone-but-never-forgotten German Shepherd, Max.
Having had a large breed in the past, we knew exactly what we were getting into. After seeing his photo for several weeks, my husband and I discussed Hero as an addition, and we were both ready—emotionally, mentally, and physically—to welcome him home and help him navigate through his past traumas.
Understanding his breed (Great Pyrenees 73%, Anatolian Shepherd 20%, Supermutt 7%) has also been key to his success. Providing him with an environment where he can regulate himself, without the use of medications, has been crucial. I have seen tremendous confidence building and pack bonding with our two Aussies, letting him navigate and experience situations naturally with our support and consistency. And wouldn’t it be a disservice to him—and detrimental to his welfare—if we didn’t let him exhibit and embrace the natural behavior of his breed and let him be the guardian he so yearns to be?!
"Our Hero is settling in so well in his forever home. I can start by saying that our only regret is not applying for him sooner."
Hero is that—a true guardian. We both feel he instantly knew this was his home and accepted his role as guardian of the pack. He still has his anxieties. Noises and all sorts of weather trigger him. We ensure he has access to all indoor and outdoor spaces that he wants, and that provides him so much relief. There have been many nights my husband has held him to sleep so he feels safe. Our Aussies have been key players in his transition as well—helping him understand house rules and being a source of calm he can look to when his world feels scary. Every day, Hero makes huge leaps and bounds.
Hero Lives His Best Life
My husband and I both work from home, so one of us is always able to help guide him. He sleeps with us and our two Aussies every night. They enjoy bed hopping between the various dog beds on the floor around our bed! Once the sun rises, the doggy door opens and his watch begins. The pups go in and out as they please into a protected fenced area throughout the day.
Hero loves playing with his big “little” brother, Jax. Their bond is so sweet and growing each day. Hero will throw himself on the ground and let Jax take pot shots at him. Our Millie is a wonderful regulator and always the one they have to listen to if things get too rambunctious.
We go on pack walks and adventures every day. Hero LOVES meeting people. In scenarios where that isn’t feasible, he will throw a little puppy tantrum about it.
Hero can watch geese all day. We think his 7% Supermutt must be Golden Retriever!!
Our pack is everything to us, and our Hero is still healing from past traumas. We are committed to our little boy (yes, he is still a little boy—now 94 pounds!). We see him. We love him. We will always be there for him.
Christina, Victor, you are true HavaHeroes!
Hero found his place because someone said yes when it mattered most. Say yes—to adoption, to fostering, to supporting rescue work. These dogs are worth the patience, the effort, and the love they give back tenfold.
Comments