During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, my boyfriend and I signed up to foster for the San Francisco Samoyed Rescue. Like many others at the time, we were working from home and considering a canine companion of our own. 

That was how we met Luffy, a heavily matted, underweight dog from Bakersfield, California. The only things that I was told about him was that he was found on the streets and in desperate need of a home. After being introduced to him, I offered him water, carried him into our car, and brought him home. Within a few days, we came across the challenges that many rescue dogs exhibit, including resource guarding, separation anxiety, aggression at the vet, and much more. I began to wonder if we were capable of caring for this dog, but what kept me going was his undeniable affection and resilience. We never got a samoyed and he’s definitely far from being the perfect pup, but he is the perfect pup for us.

This blog is a chronicle of how we care for Luffy each day. For those who are struggling with their dog, know that you’re not alone and hopefully I can offer a tip or two along the way. I want to emphasize that I am in no way qualified to be a dog trainer; I’m just a person who has worked with a troubled dog on a day-to-day basis.