Stitch remained at the shelter for over a year. No one came for him and there were no offers to foster or adopt. His heartworm went untreated, and eventually, he was placed on the euthanasia list. However, he had won over a group of compassionate animal advocates from S.P.A.N. (Shelter Pets Advocacy Network) that had been visiting him regularly. They walked him and played with him - even putting him in some pajamas for cute photos – hoping to generate interest in him from pictures on social media. They believed that Stitch deserved a second chance. One of the S.P.A.N. representatives reached out to Kris, hoping to save him from being euthanized. Kris told her that her house was full, but if no other option was available, she’d help, and they would figure out where to put him. Rags To Tags was in the early stages of planning, but not formed at that time, so a rescue organization was secured by S.P.A.N. and Kris agreed to give Stitch a chance.

With no idea what to expect, Kris went to animal control the day before Stitch was scheduled to be euthanized. The officer who had originally brought him in painted a grim picture, warning Kris that she likely made a mistake. He started by asking, “did anyone tell you about this dog?” He never lifted his head while he was filling out paperwork but shifted his eyes upward and peered at Kris over his glasses. He clearly did not care for Stitch and did not seem to believe that this was a good idea. His body language set a cautious tone that Kris took to heart, but she was determined to help this dog.

He walked Stitch out from the building holding his leash taught and stopped in front of the open back door of Kris’s truck. He looked down at Stitch and said, “is it ok if I lift you up?” Each thing that the officer did or said seemed like he was trying let Kris know this was a bad idea without saying it outright. However, Stitch was focused on getting into the truck. He showed no aggression, no excitement, just a calmness that gave Kris a much different picture of a dog that just wanted a chance. Stitch was hoisted into the back of the truck, sat himself down between the seats and never made a peep. He sat like a gentleman, as if he knew his life was about to change. That was truly his freedom ride!

Given the officer’s warnings, the Barbers took things slowly. They watched for signs of aggression, resource guarding, or reactivity. Stitch had been to a behaviorist in an attempt to make him more adoptable while at animal control and the report was given to Kris. She read that he was indifferent to other dogs, as long as they were not unfixed males and not bigger than him. He also had been given a stuffed toy frog by the behaviorist, and it was advised that he be allowed to keep his toy, as it was a comfort to him. Kris didn’t receive the frog when she picked him up, sadly. Stitch “suckles” on specific toys, blankets, or pillows as a way to relax. It’s a way for a dog to decompress and soothe himself. He was given a fluffy stuffed ball after a day or two with the Barbers and that became his “suckle ball.” It’s a high value item to him. The Barbers wanted to be sure he had something that was just his so they could build trust. The ultimate goal was to let him know he was safe, but also to let him know that his items wouldn’t be taken from him. He was happy with that!

Stitch had settled into the Barber home – actually in Hailey’s room while she was away at college. He was very content with his routine to sleep late on a nest of blankets on Hailey’s bed. When it was his turn to go out in the morning, Kris would have to literally wake him from his snoring slumber! He would casually get up with a big stretch, hop off the bed, and off to the dog run they would go. He spent his time chasing a few squirrels and watching the horses next door. Kris and Stitch would head back to his room, and she’d watch him drink from the BOTTOM of his water bowl, submerging his entire muzzle! The next order of business was treats! Stitch knew the routine: sitting right in front of Kris, offering a paw, and drooling like a faucet was turned on!! She would hand him a treat, which he would take ever so gently, chomp it up and ask for another. He loved this routine, and still does, but his environment had to change.

When Hailey graduated from college and decided to move back to Texas from Florida, the Barbers had to figure out another room option for Stitch. Hailey needed her room back. He was fairly attached to Chuck so the decision was made to make Stitch Chuck’s honorary coworker! Stitch was moved into the bedroom that served as Chuck’s office. They were both good with the move, thankfully, aside from Stitch’s occasional room-clearing farts and buzz-saw snoring! Stitch knows that there are five other dogs living on the other side of the office door, but he is happiest to have his own space and is unbothered by the other dogs. The den dogs go into their crates when it’s Stitch’s turn to go outside. He strolls past the other dogs without a care, ignoring their excited barking. He met Ginger, one of the five den dogs, on day one, when she promptly hopped the fence and ran up to greet him! Thankfully he was a perfect gentleman, and they simply explored the dog run together, no issue. He is definitely a ladies’ man!

All of the seemingly negative implications from the animal control officer never surfaced. He has been with the Barbers since August of 2023. Stitch is a kind, gentle soul who prefers his own space. He’s not one for cuddles, but he enjoys quiet companionship and the comfort of knowing someone is nearby. He loves treats hidden around the room, a soft bed to nap on, and the occasional squirrel chase in the yard.

Stitch has proven to be a formidable opponent in the garden war with Kris, stealing watermelon and cantaloupe whenever possible! There have been a few chases around the backyard to reclaim stolen fruit! Once Kris learned how much Stitch loved the cantaloupe, she decided to grow one or two just for him. The pieces are frozen, making a yummy treat for the hot summer days!

Stitch is an old fella, with arthritis and an aloof temperament. He has had some issues with men in the past, but those are in his past. Just to be on the safe side, he will remain a sanctuary dog and live out his days as a squirrel watcher & fruit stealer with the Barbers.