Smokey was left by his family at a kill shelter in Las Vegas, Nevada. His family didn’t understand him and they said that he used to bite people. And for the first few weeks in the shelter, he wouldn’t allow anyone to touch him. Seeing this behavior, the shelter thought that he would be a perfect candidate for a dog training program done in partnership with inmates.
It would be his second chance in life to get where he needed to be.
Smokey was paired with Jason for the training program and Jason would always encourage him and send positive energy down that leash. He also made sure that Smokey always felt safe with him. Over time, the pair became attuned to each other’s feelings, especially Smokey who became sensitive to Jason’s emotions. And that sensitivity became the balance that Jason needed.
Aside from that, through Smokey, Jason also learned to give trust so that he can receive trust. The bond that they created was the one thing that kept Jason going.
After months of training, Smokey was finally ready to open the next chapter of his life and that was finding his own family. And when he left, Jason felt so sick to the stomach and the other inmates would tease him that it was because he missed Smokey. He would also often ask his mom Cheryl if he had already been adopted. And then one time during their call, it slipped that he wished Smokey would be his dog.
Upon hearing that, Cheryl and her husband decided to adopt Smokey for Jason. And now Smokey is happily living with his new family and new sibling. According to Cheryl, he just fit right into their little family. And of course, Jason is also very excited and looking forward to get out and see his buddy again.
Source: YouTube via The Dodo