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At just a year and a half old, Doby, a Jack Russell terrier and whippet mix, has already overcome more than most dogs his age. Diagnosed with failure to thrive as a young puppy, his early months were uncertain. But everything began to change when a kind-hearted foster mom in Texas welcomed him into her care, vowing to help him find the home he deserved.
Though Doby slowly regained his strength and spirit, a permanent home continued to elude him. That’s when B.A.A.R.K. Dog Rescue stepped in, arranging for Doby to move north to Illinois. There, an experienced foster volunteer named Jenny Leech opened her home to the little dog, giving him another shot at happiness.
From the moment he arrived, Doby adjusted well to Jenny’s home, but he still longed for something more. While he got along with the other pets, what he truly wanted was to be someone’s one-and-only companion.
Jenny quickly recognized his affectionate, fun-loving nature. “This happy guy is equal parts fun and sweet, with a lot of snuggling mixed in,” she wrote on Facebook. “He prefers to sleep cuddled up next to someone.”
A Pup Who Loved to Love
As the days went by, Doby’s loving personality blossomed even more. He built strong bonds with Jenny’s other dogs and especially enjoyed visits from her grandchildren, always eager to play. But Jenny sensed he would flourish even more in a quieter home where he could soak up all the attention for himself.
Unbeknownst to her, someone was already watching closely from afar.
Marcia and Brad, a couple still grieving the loss of their cherished dog, Opie, had quietly followed Doby’s story. It had been nearly three years since Opie passed, and they weren’t sure they were ready to open their hearts again. But when Marcia stumbled upon Jenny’s post, something about Doby captured her instantly.
“When they both saw Doby’s pic, they knew he was the one,” Jenny later shared with The Dodo.
A Sign from the Past and a New Beginning
On the very day of Doby’s home visit with the couple, something unexpected happened. As Marcia and Brad sat outside near Opie’s memorial stone, a monarch butterfly landed delicately on it.
“His new mom even said that Opie sent them a sign on the day I was bringing Doby for a home visit,” Jenny said. That quiet moment gave them the reassurance they needed. It was clear—Doby was meant to be part of their family.
From the instant Doby entered their home, he seemed to know it too. He snuggled into their arms without hesitation, and the bond was immediate.
Now renamed Floyd, the once-overlooked shelter dog is thriving. He’s quickly settling into his new life, exploring his neighborhood, and making new friends along the way. Although he sometimes misses his foster siblings, he’s right where he belongs.
“He’s doing absolutely fantastic at his new home, and they are head-over-heels in love with him already,” Jenny said. “I think he is absolutely loving being Marcia and Brad’s one-and-only and soaking up all the love.”
