Even though it only takes one person to change a dog’s life, dog rescue is rarely a solo effort. No one knows this better than those who have rescued a dog themselves, just like Texas dog dad @_rozank_. Not only did he spend time building trust with the scared stray dog he found, but he also became the rescue dog’s biggest advocate.
He came across the stray Border Collie mix while walking his two dogs, Tucker and Charlie Brown, in late October. The only reason he recognized the lost pup was a neighbor’s social media post, but he didn’t hesitate to drop everything and bring the dog to safety. Although the stray dog was clearly frightened and confused, he transformed into a whole new pup as soon as Rozan put a leash on him.
What an incredible difference from the beginning to the end of the interaction! The poor pup was clearly nervous and hesitant to trust a stranger, but a few snacks and some TLC made a world of difference. The real change, though, happened when he was finally back on leash!
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“He was so happy to be back on a leash and guided,” agreed @midnight_blue97. “He definitely belonged to someone. Hopefully, they didn’t just dump him.”
That was my thought as well, unfortunately. Even though the Border Collie mix, now named Snoopy, appears healthy and rather well-groomed, Rozan found countless burrs and mats in his fur. He didn’t have a microchip, either, so he and his neighbors, who have been helping care for Snoopy, have been searching high and low for him a perfect forever home.
He looks like such a happy dog after a few days of decompression! Even though neither Rozan nor his neighbors know exactly what Snoopy has been through, they’ve gone above and beyond to help him be comfortable in his new environment. If this is the progress he’s made in just a week, just think of the difference a forever home will make!
Approaching a Stray Dog
Many empathetic pet parents would love to jump into action to save a stray dog just like these neighbors did, but it’s important to remember that your safety comes first. Please don’t interact with a lost dog if it shows any signs of lashing out. Even though defensive behavior may stem from fear and not aggression, contacting a local animal rescue is your best bet with reactive stray dogs.
If you feel safe and prepared to interact with a stray dog, take a note from Rozan’s book. You will need to be patient! While some stray dogs will be happy and grateful for help, others may take hours, or even days, to trust you enough to come closer.
Dog rescue is a process that can’t be forced or rushed, but as you can see with Snoopy, it’s incredibly worth it.
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This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Nov 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.