Sometimes there is a happy ending to what could be a sad story. It happened recently to a beautiful German shepherd/Husky mix, who had been in the Amarillo Animal Management & Welfare (AAMW) for 117 days. Hope was beginning to fade as people passed by Flynn, and other dogs were taken to happy homes.
But sometimes it just takes the right couple to come along. Flynn, a 3-year-old dog, found a new home thanks to his respect for Molly the Chihuahua.
Rachel Melius said that she had her eye on Flynn, periodically checking the animals available for adoption on the AAMW website. When August came up and Amarillo had its the Clear the Shelters campaign, Rachel was first in line to get Flynn, according to her husband, Danny.
“Flynn caught my eye. He kind of grabbed my heart, and I saw him climbing the list as far as longest stay,” Rachel said.
But first, Flynn had to pass the litmus test, which in this case was a 10-year-old Chihuahua with a bit of an attitude.
Molly was taken in by the Melius family from a friend and quickly became head of the household. So, approval of Flynn by Molly was a dealmaker or breaker. Melius checked with AAMW to see if she could bring in Molly to see if the two could be compatible. Rachel, her teenage son, and Molly, the family’s 10-year-old Chihuahua, visited Flynn at the shelter.
If this was a test, Flynn passed with flying colors. Rachel said when Flynn entered the office space, Molly let out a growl and Flynn quickly sat down, giving her the respect and space Molly felt was due. “I knew it was our dog, then,” Rachel said.
Flynn left with his new family on a great adventure that is still unfolding. Danny Melius said he was surprised that such a fine dog had been overlooked. Flynn knows commands and is good on the leash, so evidently, he received some training over the years. But unfortunately, dogs can’t tell people their backgrounds, so they have to find out for themselves.
Flynn’s new owners said they were encouraged by the policies at AAMW that allow them 14 days to be sure it’s a good match with the family, including kids and other pets, as well as living arrangements.
So far, Flynn has fit in perfectly with the family and loves playing with the three children and going outside for walks — except for his preponderance for chasing squirrels. The dog’s new parents said that Flynn can climb a tree, so he has supervision when he’s out.
“When Flynn chases the ball, Molly runs around too a little bit,” said Rachel. They are in the midst of planning a camping trip and are looking forward to taking Flynn with them, as well as Molly.
In the past two months, Flynn has quickly become a member of the Melius family, which now includes two dogs, two cats and three children. He has helped the family recover from the loss of a beloved dog who was euthanized at the beginning of the year due to age-related issues.
“We kind of had a hole to fill after that,” Danny said. “It was great to find Flynn and be able to give him a new home. It was a real easy fit. When we got him, he already knew some commands and was great on a leash. He is respectful and fun to walk.” Flynn’s demeanor quickly made him a member of the family.
“One of our cats growls at Flynn, but Flynn does not,” Danny said with a laugh. “They have been great together.”
The message from the Melius family is not to worry about adopting a pet that has been at a shelter for a long period of time.
“It still shocks me that Flynn was at the shelter for so long. I am thankful he could wait it out to come home to us,” Rachel said. “Flynn is smart and a good listener. He is a testament that just because an animal is a long-term stay at the shelter, doesn’t mean they are ‘bad’ or something is wrong. Maybe they are just waiting for you.”
To see animals available for adoption at AAMW (along with pictures and information), go to the AAMW website at amw.amarillo.gov/home-animalmanagement.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Forever home found for Flynn: Pet’s new parents share their story
Reporting by Nell Williams, Amarillo Globe-News / Amarillo Globe-News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
