Sanford, once considered a “broken dog,” now exudes happiness, with a constant smile on his face.
Karen Velazquez, who is fostering Sanford, describes him as the most cheerful dog she has ever encountered. Speaking to The Dodo, Velazquez shared, “I’ve fostered 52 dogs, and none has been as joyful as Sanford. He gazes at me in a way that’s truly unique, even compared to my own dogs. The only time he isn’t smiling is when he’s asleep or eating.”
Before Velazquez welcomed Sanford into her home, he was in dire need of assistance. In April, he was rescued by animal control after a car accident left him unable to move. Rescuers also discovered a bullet wound in his right hind leg.
Sanford was taken to a small municipal shelter in Dallas, Texas. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints, the shelter couldn’t provide any medical treatment during the week he spent there.
A volunteer from Dallas DogRRR came across Sanford and felt compelled to intervene. Seeing him so defeated, Kerry Anechiarico, executive director of Dallas DogRRR, recounted to The Dodo, “He seemed completely broken. When the volunteer first met him, he didn’t even try to connect. It was as if he had lost hope and was just waiting.”
Sanford’s life began to transform when he entered Velazquez’s care. After leaving the hospital, “he came to my house on May 1,” Velazquez recalled. “Since that moment, he’s been smiling ever since. Somehow, he knew my home was a safe haven.”
Now affectionately called “Sanfee,” Sanford enjoys a life filled with home-cooked meals, daily walks, and playtime with other dogs. Despite being ten years old, he acts much younger, bringing a youthful energy to his new life.
Anechiarico commented, “He’s a typical ten-year-old dog, like a senior citizen enjoying life in a nursing home. He has the wisdom of age but the spirit of someone in their fifties.”
While he thrives in his foster home, the goal is for Sanford to find a forever family. “He’ll be an excellent family dog,” Anechiarico said. “He’s great with kids and gets along well with other dogs and people.”
Describing his ideal role, Anechiarico added, “Sanford is the perfect companion to welcome you home, joyfully wagging his tail and staying by your side throughout the day.”
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