After 115 days at the City of Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Department (AAMW), Flynn, a three-year-old German Shepherd/Husky mix, found a new home thanks to his respect for Molly the Chihuahua.
Rachel Melius had her eye on Flynn, periodically checking the animals available for adoption on the AAMW website.
“Flynn caught my eye. He kind of grabbed my heart, and I saw him climbing the list as far as longest stay,” Rachel said.
Rachel, along with her husband, Danny, decided to see how compatible Flynn would be with her family.
Rachel, her teenage son, and Molly, the Melius’ 10-year-old Chihuahua, visited Flynn at the AAMW shelter.
If this was a test, Flynn passed with flying colors.
“At first, Molly growled at Flynn. He immediately backed off and respected her space,” Rachel said. “I knew then this was our dog. He has been amazing.”
In the past two months, Flynn has quickly become a member of the Melius family, which now includes two dogs, two cats and three children. He has helped the family recover from the loss of a beloved dog who was euthanized at the beginning of the year due to age-related issues.
“We kind of had a hole to fill after that,” Danny said. “It was great to find Flynn and be able to give him a new home. It was a real easy fit. When we got him, he already knew some commands and was great on a leash. He is respectful and fun to walk.”
Flynn’s demeanor quickly made him a member of the family.
“One of our cats growls at Flynn, but Flynn does not,” Danny said with a laugh. “They have been great together.”
The message from the Melius family is not to worry about adopting a pet that has been at a shelter for a long period of time.
“It still shocks me that Flynn was at the shelter for so long. I am thankful he could wait it out to come home to us,” Rachel said. “Flynn is smart and a good listener. He is a testament that just because an animal is a long-term stay at the shelter, doesn’t mean they are ‘bad’ or something is wrong. Maybe they are just waiting for you.”
To see animals available for adoption at AAMW (along with pictures and information), go to the AAMW website at: amw.amarillo.gov/home-animalmanagement
