[Pupdate] Happy Tears as Dog Once Tied to a Tree Is Now Running Free
Every so often, I get to bring you one of my favorite kinds of updates—the kind where we check back in on dogs you’ve met before and see just how far they’ve come. These are the Pupdates—the happy endings (and still-in-progress stories) that prove why we do this. In this round, you’ll meet an English Bulldog who traded a life of breeding for a life of rubber-ball zoomies, a pit bull once tied to a tree now running free on a Canadian ranch, a senior husky mix who traveled cross-country to her new mom, and more. Each section starts with the dog’s backstory—what I saw when I first sat with them—and then the pupdate, showing where they are today. (Watch Video Above)
Fiona – The English Bulldog Mama
Backstory
When I first met Fiona, she was the kind of English Bulldog that should’ve been someone’s spoiled couch potato—but instead, she was shut down, sad, and likely used for breeding. No microchip, flea dirt in her ears, a prolapse from possible rough births… this was not a dog living the “designer breed” life people pay thousands for. She barely knew the comfort of a blanket, and it seemed like her whole world had been about producing puppies.
We worked slowly—treat trails (the “Pac-Man” game), gentle touch, and space—until she cautiously took treats from my hand. I paid for her spay myself so she could start a new chapter.
Pupdate
Applications poured in, but the shelter wanted to see if a local adopter would come forward. That’s when Kathleen walked in after seeing Fiona’s video. She brought her bulldog Lucas for a meet-and-greet, and the match was instant. Fiona went home the same day and, after a cautious start, found her place—zooming around the yard with rubber balls, cuddling with the family, and wagging her tail more every day. Kathleen even reminded her kids about the “3-3-3 rule” for new dogs, giving Fiona the time she needed to bloom.
Pumpkin – The Farm Pupdate
Backstory
Pumpkin came to Flip’s Farm with a lot of fear and a tendency to shut down. For a long time, he wouldn’t walk with anyone but me.
Pupdate
Now, thanks to team member Angelica, Pumpkin’s walking on leash with others, exploring the farm, and even trotting around off-leash in the play area by the Quonset hut. He still gets a little nervous, but the courage he’s shown is incredible. Pumpkin is available for adoption within driving distance of Southern California so we can support his transition if needed.
Oscar → Harvey – From Tied to a Tree to Canadian Ranch Life
Backstory
Oscar was found late at night, tethered to a tree by a restaurant and duck pond, emaciated and covered in scars. At the shelter, he was rated an 8 or 9 out of 10 on the emaciation scale. We named him Oscar after the restaurant where he was found and worked to show him kindness, but he was weak, filthy, and hungry.
Pupdate
Oscar was briefly adopted but returned almost immediately. It turned out to be a blessing—Michelle in Canada saw his video, had experience with rescue dogs, and even offered to drive down to bring him home to her ranch. Now named Harvey, he runs alongside ATVs, explores fields, and recently had his first river adventure. Michelle says he’s not even remotely the same dog.
Faith – The Senior Husky Mix
Backstory
When I first met Faith (formerly called “Sky”), she trembled whenever her name was spoken—clear evidence it was linked to trauma. We renamed her Faith, and I sat with her until her tail began to relax. She was older, with a mammary mass, hair loss, and a cauliflower ear, but still had so much life left to give.
Pupdate
Kathy from Queens, NY, saw Faith’s story and knew she had to adopt her, even arranging for a cross-country transport. Faith now lives between New York and Florida, goes to the dog park regularly, has dog friends, and even learned to open the window shutters to “check” on her mom. Kathy says Faith brings her endless joy and believes her late husky helped bring Faith into her life.
Archer – The Shy Chihuahua Mix
Backstory
Part of a group of 20–25 small dogs surrendered from an overwhelmed Good Samaritan, Archer was terrified—shaking in the back of his kennel, avoiding blankets, and refusing treats. I worked my way into his space, used gentle compression to calm him, and finally scooped him into my lap.
Pupdate
Transferred to Wolfs and Wags Dog Rescue, Archer blossomed into “Paco,” learned to enjoy kids and other dogs, attended an adoption event, and went home with a new family that day.
Mateo – Archer’s Friend
Backstory
From the same group as Archer, Mateo was older and rated a “Safer 0,” meaning he needed extra help before adoption. He hid in his bed, taking tiny bites of treats, and used his donut bed as a cave. We named him Mateo to give him a fresh start.
Pupdate
Mateo is also with Wolfs and Wags Dog Rescue, attending adoption events and making steady progress. He hasn’t found his forever home yet, but he’s gaining confidence and is ready for the right patient adopter.
Monty/Montague – From “Monster” to Gentleman
Backstory
Originally named “Monster,” this six-year-old was surrendered after a scuffle with another household dog. He was fearful, defensive, and matted, with untreated wounds. I didn’t like the name—it didn’t fit the sweet dog I could see underneath—so I asked the community for suggestions. You voted for Monty, and it stuck.
Pupdate
Bonnie from Wisconsin stepped up, but we needed to crate-train Monty for the trip. Shelter staff worked with him until he could go in and out comfortably. Bonnie renamed him Montague, “Monty the Wonder Dog,” and says he’s settling in as king of the castle. He’s learning leash skills, exploring Wisconsin, and may get to try snow for the first time this winter.
Closing Thoughts
Every one of these dogs—Fiona, Pumpkin, Harvey, Faith, Archer, Mateo, and Monty—had their own set of challenges. Some were physical, some emotional, and some both. But with patience, trust, and the support of this amazing community, they all got a shot at the love they deserve. For the ones still waiting, like Pumpkin and Mateo, their forever homes are out there—we just need to keep telling their stories.
