Spike’s residency at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department’s BARK Dorm was never meant to be a permanent one.
Much like the juveniles who cycle through the program at Gainesville State School, Spike was living at the residential dormitory until his life, actually the life of his owner, turned around.
Temporary Care For Permanent Change
As a participant in DPA’s Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender (PASS) program, his owner temporarily handed Spike over to foster care while he got his life back on track. The goal of PASS is to reunite pets with their families after the crisis has passed and they are once again able to properly care for the pet. Everything went to plan, until it didn’t.
A Very Popular Resident
After arriving at the BARK Dorm, Spike quickly became a popular and beloved companion and was scooped up and carried around by staff and students alike. His small but mighty personality quickly served as inspiration for all who knew him as an example of perseverance and making the best of things always. Spike is truly the poster child for the saying, “good things come in small packages,” and inspired residents to strive to overcome any hurdle or struggle with bravery, and a wag of his tiny tail.
Release and Return
After two years of dedicated service, Spike was scheduled to return to his family but it became clear his heart belonged to the BARK Dorm. His presence was greatly missed by all at the BARK Dorm and he also seemed to miss the staff and residents, as well as the attention that comes along with having lots of caregivers.
Spike has been adopted by one of the employees at the BARK Dorm and is now permanently on staff to teach the youths responsibility, patience, empathy, and the importance of making the most of a second chance. His paws tap happily through the hallways of the BARK Dorm every day, lifting the spirits of everyone he encounters.
A Very Special and Mutually Beneficial Program
Spike is just one of many dogs in the PASS program who have resided at the BARK Dorm and been cared for by the juvenile residents. In many cases, these foster dogs offer the first opportunity the boys have had to care for a pet and feel the enormity of a dog’s unconditional love. This program is truly a win-win for all involved as the dogs are able to live there temporarily rather than being surrendered to an overcrowded shelter and the boys learn vital skills for leading successful lives after graduation.
We All Need a Little Help Sometimes
To be accepted into the PASS program, pet owners complete an application describing their personal challenges and what help they require. Sometimes it is merely help with food, vaccinations, medicine, or veterinary care, but occasionally it involves temporary foster care for the pet. If a pet owner is facing housing issues, financial hardship, domestic violence, medical treatment, or moving into a treatment facility for substance abuse, sometimes a longer- term solution is needed. That is where the BARK Dorm steps in and takes in these dogs until their families are in a position to resume their care.
In the case of Spike, the PASS program was able to offer foster assistance and potentially save his life while his pet parent saved his own. In the process, Spike was able to help the kids at the BARK Dorm get their lives back on track.
And now he is back on the inside leading the pack at the BARK Dorm and continues to inspire countless young men to find their way back to a good life on the outside.
Click here If you or someone you know would benefit from temporary support to keep a beloved pet out of an overcrowded shelter.
