“[He] has no idea what it’s like to be in a home.”
Meet Vlad — a lovable husky mix who enjoys long walks, meeting new people and plenty of cuddles.
But for most of his life, Vlad only knew the inside of a shelter.
Five Years of Waiting
Vlad first arrived at an animal shelter in Cancún when he was just a puppy. Shelter staff believed it wouldn’t take long for someone to fall in love with his playful personality and fluffy looks.
Unfortunately, that day never came.
Year after year, Vlad watched other dogs leave with new families while he remained behind. Incredibly, he spent five full years waiting for someone to choose him.
A Rescue Steps In
Eventually, Border Tails Rescue learned about Vlad’s story and decided to bring him to the United States, hoping it would give him a better chance at finding a forever home.
But even after the move, Vlad still received no adoption applications.
That’s when two shelter dog advocates stepped up to help: Eric Noxon and Joey Masloski.
Noxon even offered to foster Vlad himself so they could show the world what an amazing dog he was.
A Smile That Made Him Unique
Vlad has a distinctive underbite — his lower jaw is longer than the top.
His rescuers thought the quirky smile made him even more charming. But they suspected it might have been the reason some potential adopters overlooked him.
Despite his unusual grin, Vlad’s personality quickly won over everyone who met him.
He was energetic, affectionate and incredibly excited to finally experience life outside the shelter.
Experiencing Life for the First Time
For the first time in six years, Vlad got to experience things most dogs take for granted — walks, playtime and relaxing in a real home.
His foster dad took him on long strolls and introduced him to new environments.
But Noxon and Masloski didn’t stop there.
They decided to give Vlad some unforgettable adventures while he waited for a family.
The Adventure of a Lifetime
Vlad attended a professional hockey game, where he even appeared on the arena’s Jumbotron.
Then he went on an even bigger adventure — flying on a private charter plane from Chicago to Las Vegas.
For a dog who had spent most of his life in a kennel, it was an unforgettable experience.
Finally, a Forever Home
Eventually, the moment everyone had been hoping for finally arrived.
A woman applied to adopt Vlad — and soon he was heading home with his new forever family.
As he climbed into the car with his adopter, Vlad wore the same big, joyful smile that had captured so many hearts along the way.
For the people who helped him get there, it was a bittersweet moment.
After years of waiting, Vlad had finally found what he deserved all along: a loving home. 🐾