Shelter Dogs’ Lives Transformed by Chance Encounter with Devoted Foster Family

Mandi Jacewicz |

Feb 20, 2024

Two emaciated Dobermans, destined for euthanasia in a California shelter, have been given a new lease on life thanks to a chance encounter with a loving foster family. In a twist of fate, Atlas and Feyre, both severely underweight and suffering from neglect, crossed paths with two experienced dog rescuers. (see video below)

Dog Rescue: Shelter Dogs' Lives Transformed by Chance Encounter with Devoted Foster Family

These beautiful dogs have hit the jackpot with their fosters. Even as they are being taken home in the truck, they seem to understand they are safe with the Goodlin family @thegoodhype. Despite never having met before, these dogs were destined to cross paths.

Divine Timing

The Goodlin siblings had gone to rescue a Doberman, now named Atlas. This poor guy was skin and bones, losing hair and otherwise struggling with his life in the shelter. Never having owned a Doberman before, they were excited for their first one.

While filling out paperwork, a woman arrived to surrender a female Doberman named Feyre. Sadly, this girl had been turned in twice before for running away. Now, she was being abandoned again at the Devore Animal Shelter in San Bernardino County, even though her current owner understood that this meant she would be euthanized. Fortunately, seeing Atlas getting a second chance with this family, the owner pleaded they take this girl, too. They tell us Feyre sealed the deal by placing her head on her new foster’s lap.

Living Their Best Lives in Their New Abode

Atlas made himself right at home! He excitedly sniffed the furniture, taking in the smell of other dogs, and he discovered a stuffed ball. He then vigorously shook it, causing the fluff to scatter. He likely went without toys for a long time and was undoubtedly having some fun. Ferye hiked with some of the other family dogs. She’ll be able to stay cozy after playing in the cold water, thanks to a new winter jacket. And although she may have run away before, she doesn’t seem interested in going anywhere now.

Getting Their First Baths

Both dogs also received their first baths. Atlas was apprehensive, but that didn’t stop him from being a good boy. Although his back end might still be fragile, he rallied to shake off the suds. It won’t be long before he’s well enough to remove them with gusto! Ferye, however, seemed to enjoy her spa experience from the start, taking in the water’s warmth and all the extra pets. She even handled getting her nails trimmed and her teeth brushed with no sign of agitation.

Adding Two More Dogs to the Pack

This caring foster family already has 11 dogs of their own and other fosters, now including Atlas and Ferye. Although it may seem challenging to imagine a house with dozens of paws running around, this family doesn’t hesitate. They willingly open their hearts and homes to provide a better life for dogs that would have otherwise been at the end of the road.

Watch them begin their journey to happiness in a video:

@thegoodhype First time meeting our new foster babies and they’re both the absolute sweetest babies 🥹♥️ #shelterdogs #fosterdogs #rescuedogs #dobermans ♬ a thousand years – Christina Perri