Steven

Foster Update: Steven It took about a week, but Steven has arrived — and we mean that in every sense. He came to us as a transfer from another foster who fell ill, still recovering from dental surgery, and those first seven days he mostly hid, slept, and ate. (The boy has always loved his food.) We gave him space and let him set the pace. Then my husband had a day home with him. That was all it took. Steven now sleeps in a crate next to our bed. He comes up for cuddles on his own terms — sometimes solo, sometimes piled in with everyone — and either way he’s perfectly content. The dog who spent a week in the shadows is now the first one to hear the jingle of his harness. And that harness. The moment it comes out, his tail is going, he sits like a gentleman, and he bolts for the garage. He is ready. He loves a car ride, loves an adventure, loves the dog park — where he is every inch the classic beagle: all nose, no ears. He’ll sniff every blade of grass and greet every human like a long-lost friend. The nose does what the nose does. His name, when something more interesting is happening, is merely a suggestion. He’s potty trained — a couple of accidents his first few days, nothing since. He doesn’t have a lot of formal training but he picks things up quickly and is deeply, enthusiastically food motivated. His paperwork may say senior. Don’t believe it. Steven is spry, quick, and moves with the curiosity and energy of a much younger dog. He would do beautifully with another dog or as an only dog with someone who will take him on plenty of walks and the occasional car adventure. He’s a sweet, easy gentleman — and he just needed a little time to show it.