Seemingly serious dog lands in his happy place

If Grumpy Cat were a dog, his name would be Ford.

With his long face, serious expression, and zero interest in showing off for the camera, Ford didn’t immediately stand out to people as they came in to meet the animals. But beneath his somber exterior was a sweet, sun-loving softie just waiting to stretch out and steal someone’s heart.

Ford arrived at the Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville, Arkansas, and he made an impression right away. Not with zoomies or tail wags, but with his dignified vibe and strong opinions. Crates? No thank you. Other dogs barking? Hard pass. And the importance of a sunny nap spot? That’s non-negotiable.

“He wasn’t one of those dogs who puts on a show,” says Linda DeBerry, who works at the center. “He had this serious, thoughtful presence like he was evaluating your resume before deciding if he liked you.”

Ford is one of many pets Best Friends takes in from shelter partners — pets who might need a little more time or support to meet the right match. Welcoming animals like Ford helps shelters make room for more dogs and cats in need, all while working toward the goal of making the country no-kill.

A few months after Ford arrived, Shelby Brace and her five kids (who range from 1 to 14 years old) came to the center with a certain dog in mind whom they wanted to meet. But as soon as they walked through the door, they met Ford instead.

“He was the office dog of the week,” Linda says. “He went up to the kids, totally polite, totally calm. They just clicked.”

[Faces of No-Kill: Shelter dog now living on easy street]

Shelby was planning to foster first — to help a dog and make sure it was the right fit before adopting. But from the moment Ford climbed into their truck and gazed out like he’d done it a thousand times, they knew he wasn’t going anywhere.

“We fell in love right away,” Shelby says. “He was the first dog we met and the best dog.”

Now living his best life on a spacious acre of land, Ford has fully settled into his role as gentle guardian, sunshine sponge, and full-time family dog. He has several dog beds throughout the house (including a not-so-secret spot on Shelby’s bed), prefers to sunbathe on his back with his ears flopped in every direction, and has perfected the art of the dramatic sigh.

[Big-hearted family making a big difference for dogs]

He’s happiest hanging with the kids, lounging by a window, and keeping Shelby company during her morning coffee routine.

“He fits in perfectly,” Shelby says. “He’s part of the family.”

Ford just needed someone to give him a chance. And now, in a home with a family who gets him, he’s right where he belongs.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. 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.