Dogs - Journal Companion Episode

Dogs are truly our best friends! Come learn facts about dogs that you've never known! Hear Biscuit's story about how someone rescued him and how you can save dogs like Biscuit, too! This is the podcast companion to the journal, but you can listen to it standalone. 

Transcript

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Hello, explorers. I'm Steph. Welcome back to Animal Rescue Adventures Journal Podcast Companion. And today we have a very special episode because today's animal is one you might know better than any other animal we've talked about. Today's rescue animal is a dog, and not just any dog. The best dog in the whole world. His name is Biscuit. And his story, oh, his story will make your heart so happy. Now, you probably think you know a lot about dogs already, but I bet some of these facts will surprise even the biggest dog lovers out there. A dog's nose is a hundred thousand times more powerful than a human nose. They can smell a single drop of blood in a swimming pool. That's wild. Dogs dream just like we do. When your dog twitches and makes little sounds in their sleep, they're probably dreaming about their favorite walk. Dogs can understand up to 250 words and hand gestures. Some really smart dogs know even more. Dogs have been humanity's best friends for over 15,000 years, longer than any other animal on earth. Every year, millions of wonderful, loving, amazing dogs wait in shelters, hoping someone will bring them home. Adopting saves lives. Millions of dogs waiting. That's why Biscuit's story matters. Because it's happening to millions of biscuits right now, all over our country. Here's how Biscuit's story started. A driver was on a highway in Utah when they spotted something on the side of the road. A dog. Thin, scared, wandering all alone. Nobody knew how long Biscuit had been out there or how he ended up on that highway by himself. The driver stopped. They called Animal Rescue. And Biscuit was brought to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kenob, Utah, one of the most incredible animal sanctuaries in the entire world, set in the beautiful red rock canyons of the American West. Biscuit had been alone and afraid for so long he didn't trust people anymore. He would hide in the corner of his kennel and refuse to eat. The staff had to sit with him quietly for hours every day, just letting him get used to the presence without pushing at all. Imagine how much patience and love it takes to just sit quietly day after day, saying, I'm here, you're safe, I'm not going anywhere. And one day, Biscuit's nose twitched. Remember that a hundred thousand times more powerful nose? He started sniffing the caregiver's hand. Then he scooted a little closer. Then he took the treat. And then what? He wagged his tail. Just the tiniest little wag. But it was everything. Little by little, Biscuit learned that humans could be trusted. He started eating properly. He started coming to the front of his kennel when the caregivers arrived. He started giving kisses, big sloppy dog kisses to anyone who would hold still long enough. And then the most magical day arrived. A family came to best friends. They met Biscuit. He looked up at them with those warm eyes, trotted over, and sat in front of them like he was saying, Hi, I'm yours. Can we go home now? They said yes. And Biscuit got his forever home with a big garden, a cozy bed, and a family who thinks he is the absolute greatest dog that ever lived. Because he is. Okay, Explorer, this is your most important mission yet because this one you might be able to start today. Always adopt from a shelter. Never buy a dog from a pet store. Millions of biscuits are waiting for their homes right now. Ask your parents about volunteering at a local animal shelter. You can help walk dogs, give them attention, and show them love. Collect dog food, blankets, and toys to donate to your local shelter. It makes a huge difference. Visit bestfriends.org to learn about Biscuit's story and how Best Friends is working to make America no kill for shelter animals. Biscuit is running in his garden right now, chasing something, probably nothing, just running because he can, because he's free and loved and home. He got his happy ending because one driver stopped. One shelter cared. One family said yes. Explorer, you could be that driver. You could be that family. Or you could start right now by telling someone about this good story and why shelter adoption matters. Every dog deserves a garden. Every dog deserves a family. Every dog deserves to be loved. I'm Steph. This has been Animal Rescue Adventures. Thank you for exploring with me. And remember, every animal matters and every explorer helps. Bye for now.