Collaboration in Action
Collaboration stands as a fundamental value at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, and for good reason. Working with fellow shelters and rescue organizations has paved the way for a bigger and brighter future for the pets and people in our community, much like Neil, a 1-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier who started life with an uncertain future.
Neil had been in and out of the Shelter from February to September of 2023. His true journey began, however, when he was surrendered to the Shelter in October with a severely broken leg after being struck by a car. With the help of our Veterinary team and a sturdy leg splint, Neil began his journey to recovery and joined the rest of our dogs on the adoption floor. Despite enduring a now-healed injury and spending two weeks waiting to be adopted, Neil refused to let anything damper his goofy spirit and loving nature.
To kickstart this new chapter in Neil’s life, we partnered with Black Dog Animal Rescue to help this sweet pup grow into the amazing companion he was always meant to be. The P.A.C.K. program (Preparing Adoptable Canine K9s) was the perfect opportunity to do so. Working with inmates at the Wyoming Medium Correctional Institution in Torrington, Wyoming, Neil underwent kennel, leash, and house training and was taught basic obedience and manners. After 9 weeks of intensive training, Neil graduated from P.A.C.K., fully prepared to take on the world!
Returning to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter on December 28th, Neil spent a mere two days on the adoption floor before finding his furever home with the Fancher family. Now donning the name ‘Kai’, this pup has blossomed in his new home. “He has adjusted well here and I can't imagine how he was adopted and brought back after a couple weeks,” says Kai’s new owner, Jessica Fancher. “I'm certainly not complaining because I believe he was meant for us. We really love him!”
Kai has seamlessly integrated into the Fancher family routine, vocalizing his appreciation to anyone who will listen. “I can tell you that he is a very family-oriented dog and loves his people so much that if you are watching TV, he comes up and starts talking to you, very loudly I might add. It is quite amusing. I talk back to him and he tilts his big ole head in curiosity as to what I'm saying back to him.” Kai is quite spoiled when it comes to his toys, despite his best efforts to prove every ‘indestructible’ label wrong. “Favorite toy....well that is quite funny because we have purchased him approximately 20 different types of toys (all advertised as "indestructible" and/or for "aggressive chewers"). The longest any toy has lasted from out of the package to his mouth has been 10 minutes.”
This mushy-faced Pit Bull has turned into more than just the adorable family dog. In the short time since his adoption, Kai has already left a mark on the Fancher family by doing exactly what he knows best; spreading love. “My daughter takes him for 30-minute walks every day, which he loves. He does not like having the gentle leader put on, but once it is on, he is okay. She has recently been diagnosed with a mental illness and I have never heard her laugh so much since she came back home in October as she does now when playing with Kai.”
As Kai finds his place in the loving home of the Fancher family, his journey is a celebration of collaboration. Collective efforts are the driving force behind change and, thanks to Black Dog Animal Rescue and the P.A.C.K. program, Kai can now look forward to a future full of love and joy. As we continue on our mission to enhance the quality of life for animals and people, we invite you to be a part of this journey. When you donate to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, your generosity fuels the collaborative efforts that change an animal’s uncertain future to one of hope. To make your donation, click the button below!
