Bridger

Bridger is a Catahoula/Aussie mix who was found on the streets near Ruidoso, NM as a pup in 2009. He spent almost four months in the Ruidoso shelter before coming into foster care, by which point he had been traumatized to the point of being unapproachable. Any attempt to handle him could lead to snarling, shaking, defecation, or catatonic behavior. However, through patience and gentle persistence on the part of his foster family, Bridger was able to decide over time that he wanted to bond with humans again. After three months, the foster family was able to gently pet him. After a year and a half, he allowed some strangers to touch him.

Now, at eleven years old, Bridger is a happy, healthy, social dog (and has been for years). His foster family “failed” at fostering, deciding to adopt him about six months after picking him up from the shelter. He lives in British Columbia with his best dog pal and his human family. He spends his days hiking in the woods, swimming in the lake, and maniacally chasing any tennis ball or stick he can find. He also competes in agility and, although his handler isn’t good enough to ever win anything (keeping those obstacles straight is hard!), this is second in life for Bridger only to tennis ball chasing. His obedience is impressive (ie: 100% recall even when chasing squirrels or the ball), and he’s always eager to show off a wide variety of fun party tricks (play dead, shake, high five, roll over, sit pretty, dance, spin, peek-a-boo) in exchange for treats or praise. Although he is still a little nervous around young children, he loves to ask for pets from any and all adults he meets, and will press his head against your leg and gently wag his tail until he gets the ear rubs he wants. He is a cuddle bug and a goofball, and makes his humans laugh with his antics every day.

Bridger is living proof that with patience and love, there is hope for any dog, no matter how damaged they might seem!