Faces of No-Kill: Pup steals his way into hearts and home

Just one look at this handsome pup with soulful eyes and adorable tan eyebrows is all it takes for him to steal your heart. And that’s exactly what Brook did when he arrived at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. From clinic staff to foster caregivers, this little dog with a big heart found friends wherever he went.

However, while Brook was busy stealing hearts, something serious was happening with his own heart. Best Friends veterinarians diagnosed Brook with a significant heart murmur, a congenital condition that reduces blood flow and causes dizziness and fainting. This is particularly risky with an energetic puppy like him, so he needed close monitoring to prevent overexertion.  

That’s when foster caregiver Tamsin Myers volunteered to take Brook home. She created a monitored play/relax routine to keep Brook safe while letting him enjoy being a frisky puppy.

“We developed a routine here at my house because I have four other dogs,” says Tamsin. “He would play with my golden retriever and my Great Dane for a little bit. Then I would put him in a mellow timeout situation where he could just calm down and relax in his kennel.”

In addition to the heart murmur, veterinarians also diagnosed him with Peters anomaly, a condition that causes eye cloudiness and possible blindness over time. Thankfully, he only had some mild cloudiness in one eye, which didn’t affect his vision — or his ability to play.

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“He's a happy-go-lucky puppy who loves to play,” says Tamsin. “You honestly would never know that he had such significant health issues.”

Brook's playful spirit was evident in every interaction. Despite his health issues, he never let them get in the way of his joy. “He loves everyone,” says Tamsin. “He absolutely loved trying to play with my elderly cat, who was not amused. My cat would swat at him, and Brook would think it was the best game ever.”

His enthusiasm for life was infectious, and he quickly became a beloved member of Tamsin’s household (although her cat might disagree). The careful routine Tamsin established for Brook was crucial in managing his condition. Regular checkups with the Best Friends veterinary team and a balanced mix of play and rest ensured that Brook stayed healthy and happy.

Tamsin’s home provided the routine Brook needed to heal and start living his best life. While his heart will always have a bit of a murmur, he doesn’t let it slow him down. And, as luck would have it, a family who had done extensive research on his condition fell in love and adopted him.

Now Brook’s living the happy life every dog deserves — stealing hearts like the skilled heart thief he’s always been. His journey from the Sanctuary to his new family is a testament to the power of love, dedication, and the bond between humans and their furry friends.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.