Franklin’s Story, by Ayomide Aluko

At the beginning of 2026, I started thinking seriously about getting a dog. I went to the Pets in Need’s website and logged on constantly to check out the new arrivals. Then one day I saw Franklin and realized that his sweet little face was pretty much impossible to resist. I said to myself, “Oh my gosh, I think he’s the one!”

Franklin had come to the shelter as a puppy along with his litter mates. While all his siblings quickly found homes, Franklin had been left behind. Taken home by a couple of potential adopters, he was returned both times. He was an insecure little guy ─ confused about his situation and increasingly anxious.

I expressed my interest, but PIN’s behavior team wanted more time to work with him before putting him up for adoption again. I visited the shelter a few times to check in with his trainers and see how he was coming along. Then he was finally ready, and I couldn't wait to drive down and meet him.

The Journey Begins

Rather than risk overwhelming him, I let him take things at his own pace and that seemed to be the right approach. Rather than cowering in a corner, he came right over with a big doggie smile and tail wagging. He was very sweet and clearly he had so much potential. We connected as soon as we met, and I knew right away he was coming home with me.

It’s always a leap of faith when you adopt a new animal, but I’m happy to report that Franklin is settling in well despite a few early challenges. His PIN trainers thought he might have a hard time adjusting but contrary to their warnings, he has adapted quickly to his new home. Since I was told that new environments were a trigger, I tried to make his transition as stress free as possible, letting him spend much of that first day happily sniffing and exploring on his own.

Then it was time for us to go to bed ─ me in the bedroom and Franklin in his crate. But he didn’t seem to understand what was happening. He whined and cried inconsolably until I finally had to come out to comfort him. Neither one of us got much sleep because I held him in my arms most of that first night.

Since I’m a first-time pet owner and this is Franklin’s first real home, we’re learning together. And thankfully, we're getting better every day.

To New Beginnings

There’s a group of dog owners in my apartment complex, and a place where all the dogs can play together in our own private “dog park.” Franklin absolutely loves playing with other dogs. He doesn’t care how old the dog is or how big, he just wants to play. Sometimes when I say it’s time to go, he pretends he hasn’t heard me, when of course he has. Playing with other dogs is one of his very favorite things to do.

He’s also a very smart little dog. He knows I’m his Mom and he watches me constantly to pick up on any cues, trying his best to understand me. He’s very affectionate, and he loves when I give pets and belly rubs. While still a bit insecure, I’m so happy to see him slowly gaining confidence. He now goes right into his crate at night with no problem. When he’s meeting new people, he’ll look at me to be sure it’s OK, then happily say hello. And he loves to make friends with other dogs.

That said, I might have to admit that he has a bit of a stubborn streak. He hates vaccinations and vet visits. He has been known to ignore the "sit" command when we’re alone but “sit” perfectly when we’re with other people. When they tell me what a well trained dog he is, I just smile and roll my eyes.

Home for Good

A small dog with a very distinguished name, Franklin is already living his best life and we’re hoping it’s only going to get better from here. We came into each other’s lives for a reason, and I can’t wait to watch him reach his full potential.

There can be so much satisfaction in taking an animal home from a shelter, and it’s great to share these stories with the community to hopefully encourage others to take the leap as well.

Franklin doesn’t speak my language and I don’t speak his, but we talk to each other all the time. I reassure him constantly, letting him know that everything is OK, I’m only going to get the mail, I’ll be right back, and he seems to understand. And he let’s me know that he loves me and feels safe with me, which is very special coming from this formerly anxiety-ridden little dog.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Finally, a special thanks goes to the amazing team at Pets in Need. Because they cared, Franklin has found his way home.

To learn more about Pets In Need and see their mission in action, visit PetsInNeed.org or follow them on social media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petsinneed1965/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petsinneed1965/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/petsinneed1965/

Or come visit the shelters in person at 871 5th Avenue in Redwood City or 3281 E. Bayshore Road in Palo Alto. Meet their adoptable pets and perhaps give a loving animal a place to call home.