When we welcome dogs into our family, we commit to giving them all the love and understanding they need. We are aware that dogs, just like humans, need some time to adjust to big lifestyle changes.

It makes me sad to realize that some new dog owners easily abandon their dogs without giving them the necessary time to get used to their new environment. They don’t care that they hurt their pooches’ feelings.

Markus was completely let down by his owners. Not only did they hurt his feelings by giving him up, but they also wanted to put him down. This is the story of his survival.

His Owners’ Betrayal

In July 2023, Markus’ owners contacted Lucie Holmes, the founder of Lucie’s Animal Rescue, saying that they wanted to surrender their two-year-old Patterdale mix Labrador because he barked at people and dogs.

Holmes was extremely surprised to hear their reason because barking is a dogs’ method of communication.

Markus spent five weeks with his owners. Coming to a new home was a big change for him and he needed time to adjust to his new environment.

This was the time when he craved his family’s support the most and needed them to cheer him on.

Unfortunately, his parents had already made the decision to give him up. They were not willing to put any effort in helping him, and he wasn’t even given any training. 

Since the rescue center was full at the moment, Holmes told Markus’ owners that she was unable to take him in. She promised to call them when there was enough room.

Saving Markus

That same day, Holmes received a call from a vet, which shocked her.

Markus’ family went to see the vet and asked him to put their dog to sleep. 

Fortunately, he refused their request. He suggested that Markus should have some sessions with their behaviorist, but the owners immediately declined.

Fearing for Markus’ life, Holmes called his owners and told them that she would take him in.

She took Markus to the rescue center. At first, he was a bit nervous, but within an hour, he relaxed. He was introduced to six other dogs and he loved them all. His tail was constantly wagging.

Holmes said that Markus playfully barked when other dogs came near him. That was his way of showing them how thrilled he was to meet them and how eager he was to make new friends.

Holmes saved Markus’ life. She and her family gave him the love and understanding he needed, and he felt accepted for who he was.

“You are safe, Markus, and loved. You will never be treated so badly again, and that I can promise.”

The rescue center already received many adoption applications.

We have no doubt that Markus will soon find his forever family who will make him feel safe, loved, and understood.

In the meantime, he will enjoy the love Holmes and her family shower him with.