AUSTIN, Texas — When social and outgoing meets terrified and isolated, something special happens.
This July’s South Central Texas flooding gave Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) the urgent task of pairing up shelter dogs to free up space for emergency rescues. The staff took a gamble when pairing a bubbly dog named Amity with Gibby, a dog who could be found hiding in the back of his kennel daily.
As animals impacted by the flood were taken in, the nonprofit organization worked rapidly, doubling dogs per kennel and processing fosters and adoptions. The staff and volunteers felt it was a simple decision to place Gibby and Amity together, given Gibby’s previous gravitation toward Amity during playgroups, but no one expected how heartening the blossoming of their friendship would truly be.
The duo proved that compatibility isn’t limited to official bonded pairs.
According to APA!, staff dedicate themselves to going beyond the requirements of a basic shelter. They care about supporting emotional well-being.
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For Gibby, Amity served as a specialized support no human being could replicate. APA! said she helped him find his confidence.
During the flood response, both dogs were sent to short-term foster sleepovers where the dogs’ connection was put to the test. Upon arrival, Gibby instantly reverted into his nervous shell, so staff immediately reunited the duo. As soon as he saw Amity, Gibby improved. So much so that Gibby’s newfound courage, thanks to Amity’s influence, won over a family who adopted him into their loving home.
“Once I heard the story of how he came in shy, but continued working and found his confidence; a confidence Amity helped bring out, I knew he was the one to take home,” said Gibby’s adopter. “I’m forever grateful to Amity for helping my boy, and forever grateful to Austin Pets Alive! for introducing us!”