When staff at New Leash on Life USA met Gouda, they knew they were taking a risk letting him into the program. Though Gouda was even-tempered and non-aggressive, he was extremely sick. His weakened body was so emaciated, he often stumbled as he struggled with the weight of his head. New Leash staff couldn’t know his true demeanor until he had recovered. But they did know this: if someone didn’t rescue him, Gouda wasn’t walking out of that shelter. And there was no way they were going to abandon him to his looming fate. They scooped him up and brought him to a foster home until he was ready to go to prison.
With care, Gouda was able to regain his strength, and entered the New Leash program at Philadelphia Department of Prisons. Gouda’s handler immediately recognized Gouda’s pain. He showed Gouda unreserved compassion, often giving up his cot to provide a softer resting place than the prison floor.
Prison changes a man—and a dog. Gouda graduated from the New Leash program different, ready to thrive in a loving home. His foster mom knew of a potential adoptive family, but their resident dog refused to accept another dog into the household. Even so, the families decided to see how the two dogs would react by arranging a dog-park meeting. The Shepherd was reserved, watching Gouda for over 30 minutes.
And then the incredible happened. As the Shepherd’s family looked on in disbelief, the dogs began to play. It quickly became evident the Shepherd had made a decision: Gouda was in.
Today, Gouda has been adopted into his forever family, and enjoys every day with his Shepherd brother. He’s a powerful reminder of the importance of taking risks on those who are overlooked and abandoned—and of the power of fresh starts.