Sanford’s adoptive mom, Karen Velasquez, says he’s the happiest dog she’s ever met.
“I’m currently in foster care with her 52nd dog, and I can honestly say I’ve never had someone as cheerful as him,” Velasquez told The Dodo. “He stares at me in a way no other animal or person has ever looked at me, even my pets. The only time he doesn’t smile is when he’s sleeping or eating.”
But Sanford needed all the help he could get before Velasquez took him in. He was rescued by animal control in April after being hit by a car and left immobile. Rescuers also discovered a gunshot wound to his right hind leg.
When animal control discovered him, he was sent to a small municipal shelter in Dallas, Texas, where he lived for a week. Because the shelter was short on money, Sanford didn’t receive medical care during that time.
“He was physically exhausted… and when the volunteer went to meet him, he didn’t even try to come over and say hello,” Dallas DogRRR executive director Keri Anchiarico told The Dodo. “It was like he gave up and was just waiting for his moment.”
But the most significant transformation came when Sanford first entered foster care with Velasquez.
“He came to my house on May 1, just a few days after he got out of the hospital,” Velasquez explained. “He’s been smiling ever since. I think the minute he walked into my house, he knew he was in a safe place.”
Sanford, whom Velasquez has nicknamed “Sanvy,” now spends his days eating home-cooked meals, going for daily walks, and playing with Velasquez’s other dogs.
Sanford is a senior citizen at 10, but he doesn’t act like it.
While Sanford is content in his temporary home, everyone hopes he’ll find a permanent home.
“He’ll be a great family dog,” Anikchiarico predicted. “He’ll get along with other dogs and people. He’s even good with kids.”
“He’s the perfect companion dog when you come home. He’ll wag his tail and say hello to you before he’ll accompany you for the rest of the day,” Anikchiarico commented. “He’s just a fun dog right now.”