CISA Pet Ambassador Program
Follow Bean on Instagram at @botanicalsandbean
Bean-ie baby
Bean is a soulful 7-year-old Shih Tzu/poodle/Chihuahua mix who desperately wanted a family that loved him. Unfortunately for Bean, that wasn’t in the cards. Or so he thought. What Bean didn’t know, is that a kind stranger would enter his life and change his future.
Preveterinary student Davy attended an outdoor party on a hot North Carolina night. She was looking forward to a fun time out with her boyfriend and friends.
But soon after arriving, she noticed a white ball of fluff under the table in a cage and realized there was a very thirsty dog under her table. In the middle of the party, Davy got down on her hands and knees to give the sweet pup some water directly out of her hands.
As the evening wore on, Davy kept her attention on her new friend. She wasn’t able to see him clearly but she knew this little guy just needed some love.
Before leaving the party, she jokingly said to the owner, "Your dog seems so sweet. I really want to take him home."
Shockingly, the owner replied, "If you want him, come tomorrow morning to pick him up because my kids don't care for him anymore."
It was meant to Bean
Heartbroken by his response, Davy stayed up all night thinking about how this poor dog was in such an uncaring home.
As morning broke, there was no doubt in Davy’s mind she was ready to bring that dog home.
Davy and her boyfriend ran to PetSmart to get Bean all the essentials — like a dog bed, toys and a collar.
The excitement of welcoming a new family member turned to concern when, by light of day, they could see the degree to which Bean had been neglected. He was malnourished, infested with fleas and ticks, and, as you can imagine, he had some behavior issues.
After a few vet visits, Bean’s body started to heal; now it was time to heal Bean’s soul.
The first few months of living with Bean were a challenge. He wasn't house-trained, and out of fear of going hungry, he had a habit of stockpiling his kibble all over the house.
It took a while for Davy and Bean to truly understand each other, but over time, Bean’s trust in Davy grew. Now the two are inseparable family members and best friends.
Bean’s life changed two years ago, thanks to an alert and caring individual. His world now consists of naps, snacking on chicken jerky treats, playtime with his Lamb Chop toys, going on walks, and hanging out with his little brother, Pinto, a guinea pig.
Bean counting his blessings
Bean’s tale is an all-too-common one for pets who wind up in shelters or are being neglected: treated as a novelty at first, but then discarded to the side when the pet becomes too much work or gets in the way.
Davy and Bean are a beautiful reminder of how we can help anyone in need with small gestures and open hearts.
At this time of Thanksgiving, we’d like to give our thanks to Davy and all of the pet companions who extend kindness to our furry and non-furry friends. Thank you to those who love the unloved, who heal the unwell and who reignite the soul by noticing the forgotten.