Hero was found as a stray with a face injury. We aren't sure what happened to him, but we had him checked out by our vet, and it appears to be from another dog. However, it hasn't dampened his spirit! Dr. Kang said he will live a normal life.

Hero was a volunteer favorite. Such a love. He did great with other dogs, big and small. He also loved giving and getting attention from all of the volunteers, and anyone who wanted to give him attention. Highly trainable, as he was very food motivated. He would do almost anything for a treat.

An all around great boy, a ton of fun, who loves to play, and enjoy playing fetch! We knew he would do well in any home.

Tobyn and Mali applied for a young GSP as a companion and playmate for their young female GSP, Camilla. They saw Hero, and inquired about him. They also had a 5 year old mix named Rosey who had some challenges when introducing her to a new friend, but they said over about 2-3 weeks, she gets more comfortable and she will become best friends with them. We didn’t think it would be an issue because Hero got along with everyone he met, and we knew that Tobyn and Mali could manage it.

Adopting Camilla from a shelter a year prior at just a year old, they knew what having a young GSP looks like, and what it takes to maintain the daily exercise and training a young GSP requires.

We invited them to come out with Camilla and Rosey to meet Hero, and everything went well. Camilla got a new friend, and Rosey got a new brother to put up with.

We are so grateful to Tobyn and Mali for reaching out to adopt a rescue dog, and for seeing past some physical imperfections, and seeing what an incredible loving dog Hero is inside and out.

We have received a few updates, and learned that Hero, now known as Sly, got a new name with his new home.

“Hi Teri,

Hero did excellent on the car ride back home. He laid down in the back of the car the whole entire ride (approximately 3 hours), and he popped right up when we got home. Tobyn took him through the front door and let him sniff around the house before we brought the other dogs in. During the rest of the night, he explored the backyard and the toy bins. During the night, we let him sleep on the bed. He was able to relax and slept the whole time at the foot of the bed. At one point, he seemed to be cold, so we put a blanket over him and he stopped shivering. He did not get up until we got up this morning, and adapted into the breakfast routine quite nicely.

We have learned that he is the biggest cuddle bug and happiest when he is laying next to someone, or in their arms. So far, he is more curious than anything. He is pretty easy to redirect and follows instructions pretty well. He is quite sweet and seems to just want to be loved. We have only seen him mark a couple times in the house, but have caught it.

Hero is the sweetest guy we could ask for. He has settled in quite nicely and he has been making his rounds, exploring his surroundings. He is definitely a curious one and likes to counter surf, but we are aiming to cut that behavior out quickly. So far, he is pretty mellow for a GSP, but, we know he still needs time to settle in and get comfortable. We can't wait, but are enjoying our honeymoon time with him as well.

All the dogs seem to be getting a long well. Camilla and him tend to interact with one another more than the other. While Rosey is still wanting to keep her distance and her own space. Which is okay with us.

We absolutely adore him and couldn’t ask for a more loving boy.

Today is our one week update with Hero. Let me tell you, we have hit the jackpot with adopting this guy. He is super chill, and always wants love. He has become my little shadow.

He is getting along with the other dogs fairly well. There have been some minor snarls and growls of jealousy from Rosey, but overall things are going well between them.

His personality is not your typical GSP. He doesn’t really bark, and he isn’t really vocal, unlike his sister Camilla, which is nice. We have been working on commands and leash training, he is learning quickly, because he is smart, and wants his treats.

Rosey is at the point where she has decided she wants to play with him but he is still very unsure. We ended up changing his name to Sly. As he reminds us of Sylvester Stallone. He is a great addition to the family and one of the best things that happened to us. He makes us laugh daily. It’s always a “look what the boy is doing now” coming out of one of our mouths, multiple times a day.

Sly is continuing to do great! He is our strange but lovable boy, and our family can be described the same way. He still remains extremely loving and sweet. There is not a day that goes by where he doesn't make us laugh. He is really great at giving an extremely judgemental side-eye, tracking shadow monsters, most of the time created by himself, playing with Rosey and Camilla and loving his people. All the dogs are getting along nicely and he is definitely a velcro dog, he has some separation anxiety, but that is becoming less and less.

Sly has a nice morning routine where he goes outside with Tobyn, gets fed and then goes outside again. He then comes to the bedroom, tracks the shadow monsters and then snuggles right next to me, or if I am laying on my stomach, he lays on my back. He got to go on his first long road trip to Oregon with us in Mid January. He was pretty mellow in the car after a few unsuccessful attempts climbing to the middle seats with the girls. Dang seatbelt anchor... He made it very clear that he is a Southern California boy through and through. Sly only enjoyed being outside if we were on a hike or moving, as the weather in the 40's was unacceptable to him. Even with a jacket. He has also been able to experience the dog park. We are working on a few basic commands with him. "Down", "wait" and is being taught to spin by one of the girls.

We really want to give our gratitude to you and Greg for vetting us out and entrusting that we were the family for Sly. He really has added so much fun to our household.

Thanks for letting us love him. He is so near and dear to us. I jokingly told Tobyn, “You didn’t tell me you loved me 3 days after we met”

We are looking forward to his future with us, and sharing all of our love with him.

Thanks for all you do”.

Tobyn & Mali