Rescue dog escapes fear and confusion in front of a dog tourist Avid Canine

This story was shared within the framework of the Fur Fam Storytelling Contest. Submissions have been accepted through December 5. Voting will take place December 6 through December 31. The three grand prize winners will receive a $500 prize, plus a $500 prize pool. $2000 cash and supplies for their favorite shelter. View all stories here!

Cheston was born in Texas and was rescued through Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue. We adopted him on May 1, 2021 and ended up with a dog that needs a lot of confidence. It’s scared of everything and really doesn’t know how to be a dog. The first two weeks were trying, exhausting, and made us wonder if we made the right decision to adopt Cheston.

At about three weeks, we began to notice a great change in Cheston. He will go to the bathroom on his own without anyone to accompany him, he is obsessed with toys and play, and he is learning how to growl and protect the house from UPS man, squirrels, deer, and cats. We’ve had Cheston for seven months now and he’s matured a lot.

He knows all the tricks from sitting, staying, shaking his legs, rolling over, loudly, to barking silently. He also received his Good Citizen Canine with the hope of further advanced training in the future. He runs around every day like he’s training for the Kentucky Derby and is also training for the men’s soccer team in hopes of making it to the Olympics in 2024. This boy is extremely hyperactive and causes trouble. impresses us every day with his antics.

Most importantly Cheston is a world class tourist. In just seven months, he traveled to North Carolina and New Jersey and consistently visited dog-friendly restaurants, breweries, and wineries. He charmed everyone he met and had a sizable fan club in Winchester, Virginia.

Cheston is the third wheel but the best kind of third wheel. He likes to stay away from everything that we do and he really is the coolest guy. We treat him like he’s one of them and everything we do involves Cheston. We are very lucky to have the golden gem of the rescue world.

This story was submitted by Ashley Margiotti, supporter of Shenandoah Shepherd Rescue. To see other Fur Fam Story Contest entries, click here!