Play Pals
Squints and Ranger arrived at Rescue Village through very different journeys, yet both dogs were adopted into the same loving home just weeks apart.
Squints, a 2-year-old German Shepherd, arrived in February 2025 through one of our transfer partners. By March, he was adopted, and we hoped he had found his forever family. In October, Squints returned. His adopters were facing serious medical challenges and could no longer give him the care he needed. They made a difficult, loving decision to bring him back.
Returns are never easy. Still, Rescue Village supports every family who must return an animal, offering help without judgment.
Staff worked hard to help Squints succeed. They increased his enrichment with extra walks, regular playgroups, and introductions to many potential adopters. One generous supporter even covered his adoption fee, believing in him before his future family arrived.
During this time, Gail and Paul watched Squints on our website. When a Facebook post encouraged his adoption, Gail replied immediately and said they were on their way. They met Squints, felt the connection, and brought him home just two days before Thanksgiving.
Two weeks later, Gail and Paul returned—this time with another dog in mind. Their experience adopting Squints had been so positive that they wanted to add a second dog to the family. They believed Squints needed a playmate who could match his energy and build on the social skills he had gained through playgroups.
That’s where Ranger comes in. Ranger, a 4-year-old Heeler mix, arrived from a transfer partner in Indiana in late October—the same time Squints returned to Rescue Village. Soon after arrival, Ranger developed a painful ear infection that needed treatment. Even then, his gentle personality never faded.
In playgroups, Ranger stayed calm and steady. He respected boundaries, shared space well, and moved with an easy confidence. Staff knew he could be an excellent match for another dog.
Ranger thrived with enrichment. Playgroups exercised his mind and body. Daily walks and a properly fitted harness helped him focus his energy and enjoy outings comfortably. Staff saw a social, friendly dog eager to connect.
So when Squints’ adopters returned looking for a second dog, Ranger stood out. Playgroup notes, staff observations, and each dog’s temperament made the match clear.
Today, Squints and Ranger are thriving in their forever home. Squints has settled into “old man” status, heading to bed every evening at 5 p.m. Ranger has claimed the prime couch spot, happy to be surrounded by his people. Their adopters describe them as “yin and yang”—different in many ways, yet perfectly balanced.
Through patience, purpose, and playgroups, both dogs revealed who they truly were. Their journeys were not simple, but they led exactly where they were meant to be—together, at the right time.
