When we adopt a dog, we commit to keeping them as a cherished member of our family for their entire life. But does that commitment also encompass making the right choices for them and standing by their side through both joyful and challenging times? Often, these responsibilities are not interchangeable.
At two years old, Roland—then known as Shorty—was up for adoption at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter in Conroe, Texas. In his intake photo, he appeared as a stout, chubby dog adorned with a blue bandana and a cheerful smile. While a bit overweight for his size, Shorty’s 40-pound frame was not detrimental to his health. When his picture was posted on social media in March 2019, just a day after his arrival at the shelter, it quickly drew the attention of many potential adopters. Within three days, he was already out of the kennel and settling into his new home.
Despite the complexity of life, we often wish for perfection in those moments. He and his family faced tough times together, and a loyal dog would instinctively want to stay by their side during hardship, though it might not always be the best situation for them.
Roland’s life remained a mystery from his adoption in March 2019 until his return to MCAS a year and a half later. In November 2020, it came to light that Roland’s adoptive parents had lost their home and were living in their car. Struggling financially, they couldn’t afford to care for Roland and were forced to choose between giving him up or watching him suffer.
By the time they made their decision, Roland’s health had severely deteriorated. The once-adorable dog, with his familiar face and big eyes, was now a shadow of his former self—emaciated and unable to lift his head. His arrival at the shelter was a testament to his resilience, despite the extreme toll it had taken on him.
He required urgent, personalized care.
Roland was rescued from MCAS by Jamie’s Animal Rescue. The organization’s founder, Jamie C., has committed her life to addressing some of the most challenging situations, having been saving animals since she was just 11. Her fervent dedication to each animal she rescues is truly inspiring, and even though her heart aches for every animal, she continues her work with unwavering resolve.
She often chooses animals with slim chances of survival, which means she is almost always mourning, though her love and care often result in miraculous recoveries.
At MCAS, Jamie found Roland resting beside him and immediately decided to take him in. She reached out to her followers and friends, sharing the news of a new dog in desperate need of a miracle.
Jamie understood that Roland’s previous owners had suffered a tragedy, but she was perplexed by how they could have done nothing but watch a dog they professed to love deteriorate so severely over such an extended period.
Caring for Roland would require immense patience. When Jamie arrived, his body condition was at the worst possible score of 1. While it’s natural to want to feed a malnourished dog as much as possible, Jamie understood that his frail body couldn’t handle a sudden influx of food.
Roland finally received the attention he had longed for from Jamie. Alongside his emaciated frame, she uncovered additional signs of neglect.
Just two days later, Roland was placed with a temporary foster family and achieved something quite remarkable during that brief period.
This morning, I learned that Roland has decided he’s done with lying flat. He got up on his own, walked 20 steps to entertain the guests, and then took another 20 steps before deciding to rest and wait for his snacks in the cabinet.
His small actions revealed his delightful personality and love for food. After being placed in a foster home at the end of November, Roland gained 35 pounds in less than a month. His previously visible ribs are now covered by a healthy layer of fat on his hips. Just a few weeks ago, he needed help to lift his head, but now he enjoys playing tug-of-war and taking walks around the neighborhood with his foster family.
Roland’s progress has been truly remarkable. Despite the abuse he endured, his affectionate nature remains unwavering. Now that he has achieved a healthy weight, Roland is ready to find a permanent family.
If you believe you can provide this resilient dog with the loving home he deserves, please fill out a form on JamiesRescue.org.
