Last August, two frightened brothers began a journey that would change their lives forever. Jake and Josh were just 7 months old when they were found abandoned along what rescuers sadly call a “high dumping area.” The quiet country road in rural Texas is surrounded by farmland, with only a couple of houses for miles. It’s the kind of place where unwanted dogs are often left behind, hoping someone will find them.
Thankfully, when it came to Jake and Josh, someone did.
A Safe Haven When There Was Nowhere Else to Go
One of the farming families who live near the notorious dumping ground has become an essential lifeline for iHeartDogs’ rescue partner, Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels (BARK). Time and time again, these kindhearted people have stepped up, taking in dumped dogs and keeping them safe when BARK is completely out of space. In fact, they’ve helped protect nearly a dozen abandoned dogs over the years.
When Jake and Josh were discovered, their condition broke hearts. At first glance, they didn’t look painfully thin, but that’s because their little bellies were severely bloated from intestinal parasites. Underneath the swelling, their ribs were clearly visible. They were undernourished, vulnerable, and left to fend for themselves.
But thanks to this compassionate family, the brothers were given food, safety, and care while BARK worked with iHeartDogs to get them ready for transport on one of our lifesaving Rescue Road Trips to Colorado. Without families like this, who are willing to open their land and their hearts, many dogs like Jake and Josh would never get their second chance.
From Forgotten to Freedom
Jake and Josh received medical care, proper nutrition, and the attention every puppy deserves. They were neutered, treated for parasites, and began learning that not all humans let you down. Then came the big day: their Rescue Road Trip to Colorado.
iHeartDogs’ Rescue Road Trip program gives dogs from overcrowded, high-risk shelters the opportunity to find loving homes in states like Colorado and Iowa, where adoption demand is higher, and more families are waiting. For Jake and Josh, that ride wasn’t just a trip. It was their bridge to forever.
A Happy Ending Times Two
Today, both brothers are thriving. Jake, now lovingly known as Drake, was adopted by his foster dad in Breckenridge, Colorado, who simply couldn’t imagine life without him.
Josh, now Kenny, was also adopted and is living the life every dog deserves: safe, cherished, and forever home.
From a dusty country road to forever families, their story is proof that rescue works, but not without compassionate people willing to help at every step.
You Make Stories Like This Possible
Rescues like Jake and Josh’s are only possible because of compassionate supporters like our Hero VIP Club Members.
Their ongoing support helps fund:
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Emergency medical care
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Safe temporary placements
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Rescue RoadTrip transport costs
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Life-saving transfers from high-risk shelters
Because of Hero VIP Club members, Drake, Kenny, and hundreds of dogs like them did not become sad statistics; they became beloved pets.
Become a Hero VIP Club Member today and help save more lives!
Every Rescue RoadTrip shirt and hoodie purchased directly supports transport efforts, helping more dogs leave high-risk shelters and travel to loving homes in Colorado, Iowa, and beyond.
When you shop Rescue RoadTrip merch, you’re not just buying apparel, you’re funding second chances.
Jake and Josh were dumped and forgotten.
But because a family cared…
Because BARK Rescue had support…
Because Hero VIP members stepped up…
Two brothers now have two forever homes. And there are so many more waiting for their ride to freedom. Will you be there for them?
