Joshua Overcomes
Nov 14, 2023
Facing challenges both social and physical, Joshua needed a lot of help getting where he is today—happily adopted!
Some pets at PAWS Chicago need to work through social and emotional challenges. Other, physical challenges. Joshua had to work through both.
To start, Joshua needed help building confidence. He was scared of new people and any sudden movement or noise. Trainers, volunteers, and fosters worked with him on a daily basis to overcome these fears, and Joshua progressed steadily.
One of his fosters even said, “Joshua is this big cuddle monster who just wants all your undivided attention. What I'll miss the most about him is trying to fit on the sofa because I just get crushed by this giant dog.”
However, Joshua encountered another setback. He started to limp and favor his right back leg—he needed surgery. At other shelter hospitals, amputation would have been the only option, but not at our state-of-the-art Medical Center. PAWS called in volunteer orthopedic surgeon Dr. Paula West who performed a specialized surgery to remove and replace a diseased ligament around Joshua’s knee, realigning his leg bones.
The surgery went well, but recovery took time. Joshua needed physical therapy and the comfort of a foster home before getting back to 100%. Finally, it was time for him to find a family.
Joshua qualified for our Foster First program, which gives potential adopters the opportunity to foster a pet with the full support of our Medical and Behavioral teams as well as our exclusive feeding partner, Merrick, before finalizing the adoption. Which worked out perfectly for Aaron Stevison.
Aaron fostered Joshua for two months. During that time, they grew closer and closer. And once they were sure they were a perfect match for each other, Aaron made it official and adopted Joshua.
“He's an affectionate pup who likes to run a lot and eat. And he loves belly rubs!” says Aaron.
Today, Joshua is living his best life because Aaron gave him a chance. You can do the same! Take a look at all the pets flagged “Foster First” on our adoption page and consider giving one of these special animals a chance to show you all they have to offer.
Interested in adopting or fostering?