If you found a dog chained to a tree, what would you do?

When a Texas police officer saw a young Shiba Inu tied up, she didn’t hesitate to help. She freed the sweet dog and vowed to find him a home so he wouldn’t have to fend for himself on the streets.

Yoshi, as she called him, loved everyone he met. He didn’t mind accompanying the officer to the station because it meant spending time with her and her fellow deputies. She did everything she could for him — vaccinations, a heartworm test, and neuter surgery. The only thing missing was a home. Despite his amazing personality, no one wanted Yoshi. In a southern town overrun with homeless animals, he was just another dog in need.

So his lifesaver and caregiver made the heart-wrenching decision to send him into the unknown. She said her goodbyes and dropped him off at a shelter in Rockwall, Texas. They promised to send Yoshi on a transport to Minnesota where he had a better chance at adoption.

After a long journey north, Yoshi arrived at Animal Humane Society on a sunny day in early June. Less than a week later, Spencer spotted him in the Adoption Center. “I spent months looking for the right dog, and the minute I saw him I knew he was going to be the one,” Spencer says.

Now Yoshi is flourishing! Renamed Deeogie, he enjoys playtime and snuggles with his Cairn Terrier sister, Libby. Deeogie is especially fond of Spencer. "He became by best friend as soon as he got home," Spencer says. "He follows me around the house like a shadow."

Spencer wants the officer who saved Deeogie to know how much her actions meant. "I can’t believe anyone would have left him anywhere, he’s the cuddliest sweetheart," he says. "I’m so thankful that he ended up with me."

Deeogie is just another example of how our transport partnership saves lives. Learn more about how transport helps animals in need and the people who love them.