Pet Rescue Stories

Dog Rescue Stories: Can An Old, Big Dog Get Adopted? Yes! Meet Reptar

Reptar Featured

Connie and Aaron adopted Reptar (or Johann, as he was known at Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition, or BARC) back in November 2014, around Thanksgiving. They had been volunteering at BARC by walking adoptable dogs on the weekend, and that’s when they met first met him. They were so surprised to learn that he had been at the shelter since 2011, and even more surprised when they were told that he was adopted and then returned after only a short period of time. It seemed like no one wanted a senior (9-10 years at the time) and large dog (Mastiff/German Shepherd mix) in New York City. Connie and Aaron instantly fell in love with Reptar, as he was very well trained and such a good boy.

 Reptar Comes Home
Homeless in Winter. Reptar was homeless and roaming the streets in the Bronx, New York, when he was originally picked up by Animal Control. It was  in the middle of winter, so he had a severe case of pneumonia and was very underweight. He was actually due to be put down but was saved when BARC took him in. While at BARC, he had a non-cancerous tumor removed from his thigh.
Six months or so after Connie and Aaron adopted him, they learned that he had a soft-tissue sarcoma in his chest and without even thinking about it, they had it removed so that the quality of his life would be improved. Reptar improved the quality of THEIR life and they wanted to return the favor to their not-so-little, little guy.
 Reptar 11th Bday
Connie and Aaron love to cook, so they make Reptar fresh meals everyday! Some of his favorites are sweet potatoes, venison steaks, short ribs and dog-friendly pot roasts. Sometimes, he eats a lot better than his parents!
Reptar’s favorite hobbies include watching TV (his favorite show on Netflix is Gilmore Girls), hanging out with their pet hamster, sniffing things and exploring the city with his good humans. He is really smart and has also been learning lots of new tricks when he has free time!
Follow the Distinguished Reptar on Instagram @reptar_and_friends

Come rub my belly! #dogsofinstagram #barcshelteralumni #rescuedog #germanshepherd #mastiff #adoptdontshop

A photo posted by Reptar (@reptar_and_friends) on

Having a silly Sunday with #Reptar #dogsofinstagram #doglife #mastiff #gsd #barcshelteralumni #seniordog

A photo posted by Reptar (@reptar_and_friends) on

Avocado toast with #Reptar #dogsofinstagram #rescuedog #germanshepherd #avocado #toast #barcshelteralumni

A photo posted by Reptar (@reptar_and_friends) on

Ready for a rainy #tongueouttuesday #dogsofinstagram #barcshelteralumni #rescuedog #mastiff #germanshepherd

A photo posted by Reptar (@reptar_and_friends) on

Too lazy to play pranks today #dogsofinstagram #barcshelteralumni #gsd #mastiff #rescuedog #seniordog

A photo posted by Reptar (@reptar_and_friends) on

#Reptar is fancy! #dogsofinstagram

A photo posted by Reptar (@reptar_and_friends) on

By Larry Kay

is the award-winning coauthor of Training the Best Dog Ever, which became a #1 best seller in dog training on Amazon Kindle. He is Leader of the Pack at Positively Woof, which helps shelter dogs get adopted by making videos and raises awareness and funds. Larry is an award-winning dog filmmaker and has been a frequent contributor to the American Animal Hospital Association and Dog Fancy magazine.

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