Kanga Finds a New Bounce in Her Step With Her New Family

In February, a dog found as a stray was brought to the ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center (BRC) in Weaverville, North Carolina.

The dog, named Kanga, was initially quite nervous at the BRC, especially in busy or high-energy settings. The staff knew that she would need time to build her confidence up and learn how to safely engage with her environment. Over the next four months, Kanga found her rhythm, and she blossomed into a playful, social dog, even making friends with other dogs.

Sami Seiden, BRC Placement Coordinator, first met Kanga during a big playgroup, where lots of dogs were swimming, wrestling and chasing each other.

“About five steps behind the chaos stood Kanga, watching, tail wagging and clearly wanting to join,” Sami says. “She was ‘playing’ in her own way, soaking in the energy from a safe distance.”

Over those crucial months of growth, Sami saw Kanga inch closer and closer to the other dogs until she was right in the middle of the fun and loving it.

“Her quiet determination and gentle spirit,” Sami says, “along with her short stature, made her unforgettable.”

In early July, Kanga had officially graduated from the BRC’s program and was ready to find a home of her own.

Andrew F., Jessica and Sampson (right) on the day they adopted Cheddar (left).

Meeting the New Family

Andrew F. and his wife, Jessica, have had dogs in their home for the past 20 years. In the summer of 2024, they were discussing adopting a third dog when Cheddar, a Beagle they had previously adopted from the BRC, passed away. They later adopted Charlie, who joined the family alongside their older dog, Samson. They continued to discuss having three dogs in their pack, which finally became a reality when they were introduced to Kanga.

Andrew and Jessica knew they wanted to adopt another dog from the BRC, and they had been watching the available dogs. After applying for a different dog, they consulted with Sami, who ended up recommending that they meet Kanga. They met with her in late July, along with Charlie and Samson, and quickly found out she would fit in nicely with their family. Of course, it was important that all the dogs got along, too.

“While Samson is old and easygoing, Charlie is anything but — he’s energetic, loud and has no concept of manners and personal space,” Andrew says.

During their meet-and-greet with Kanga, she was given a treat, and Charlie ran right up and started licking her mouth. Kanga didn’t seem to mind that Charlie was up close while she was eating, which was a great sign for the family.

“That was the moment we were sure she was our dog,” Andrew says. “She was great with our boys, and they liked her. Though she was shy with us, we knew she was just our speed.”

Adjusting to the Good Life

When Kanga first arrived home, she was a bit fearful and kept to herself. With some patience and love, so slowly adjusted to her new life and family. She especially took comfort from Samson, who was always a good mentor and caretaker for others. When she had a hard time winding down at night, he would even lie down with her to help her settle.

“By her third night, she worked up the courage to come into the bedroom and climb onto the bed,” Andrew says. “She’s slept there ever since. It’s the place she feels most secure.”

Soon enough, Kanga’s shyness around Andrew and Jessica faded and she would approach them to ask for some affection.

“Now, she’s happy to lick our faces and speak when she wants to play,” Andrew says. “She has a very unique ‘wooo’ that tells us she’s happy to see us.”

Kanga’s challenges were typical for a newly adopted dog. Aside from overcoming her shyness, she also had to work on her housetraining.

Andrew and Jessica are teachers, and they were both on summer break when they adopted Kanga. They realized quickly that Kanga thrives on consistency, so they began to keep a strict routine for her benefit. Once a routine was in place, Kanga was able to relax even more.

Kanga is still shy with visitors, but she has shown progress as she gets more comfortable in the home.

“She has gone from peeking into the room and running away,” Andrew says, “to cautiously entering the room and lying down.”

Kanga and Samson.

Happy Days Are Here

These days, Kanga has become a fully-integrated member of the family. Her parents have discovered her favorite activities, from enjoying a chew toy to taking a stroll through the neighborhood, which can be particularly interesting when she finds a deer trail. Kanga and her brothers also have their meals together in the same room, and they all wait patiently when it’s time for a treat.

“She dances at mealtimes and bounces up and down when we get home from work,” Andrew says. “She’s home and she knows it.”

Kanga also plays well with Charlie and is gentle with Samson, and she has become a wonderful compliment to them both. Before Kanga’s adoption, Charlie didn’t know how to play with another dog and Samson was too old and impatient to teach him. Now that Kanga is in the picture, Charlie has a friend who is able to engage him at his own energy level.

“They have loud and happy play sessions every day now,” Andrew says. “Sometimes they leave the furniture askew or they end up in a tangle of leashes.”

Samson is also a happier guy with Kanga around. He is happiest when he has companions, and he needed another dog to look after.

Kanga and Charlie.

Kanga’s Role in The Rescue Effect

Right now, the ASPCA is celebrating The Rescue Effect, our national campaign dedicated to helping animals in need find loving homes. When Kanga was adopted, her family helped to free up space and resources for the BRC and other shelters to help even more animals. Help one, help many — that’s The Rescue Effect.

For anyone considering joining The Rescue Effect and adopting a dog, Andrew has a few helpful suggestions. He says establishing a routine and offering patience can make a big difference. For fearful dogs, it’s also important to let them adjust and seek contact with you on their own terms.

“No dog is going to be perfect when you first take them home,” Andrew says. “They’ll have accidents in the house, and they may be nervous in new situations. They might get into things. It helps if you expect those things before you adopt.”

Adopting a dog like Kanga is not without its challenges, but she has changed their lives for the better. Not only did her canine brothers need her, but Andrew and Jessica needed another dog to love, too.