Homebound Heeler: from Fort Worth to Colorado

Published on May 22, 2025

The world of animal welfare is often about turning heartbreak into hope. That was the case in early March, when a young heeler pup was abandoned outside the Silcox Animal Shelter. A heartbroken volunteer at the shelter watched as someone carelessly dumped the pup from their car before speeding away.

Shaken but determined to help, the volunteer rushed the frightened puppy to Fort Worth Animal Care & Control, where compassionate staff were ready to give him the care he desperately needed. And a second chance.

Just a few days later, the once-abandoned pup was healthy enough to be listed for adoption. Almost immediately, a lifeline reached out from hundreds of miles away.

“We’re part of all the heeler groups, and we saw someone post that he was thrown out of a car at the shelter”, said Dannelle Stratton of Colorado. “That broke my heart. So, I emailed the shelter right away.”

Heelers have a special place in Dannelle’s heart, and this little pup’s story was all she needed to know that he belonged with her family.

“We filled out the adoption forms online, and my 11-year-old son and I caught the first flight out on Monday,” she said.

Before the newly adopted pup even set paw in his new home, the entire Stratton family was overjoyed. “They couldn’t wait to meet him,” Dannelle said. “He’s so loving and even sleeps with my youngest son.”

Now named ‘Bear’, the charming young heeler is settling into his new life in Colorado, where the Stratton family’s five-acre property offers plenty of space to run, play, and heal. He’s also made fast friends with the family’s two other dogs.

“Our favorite part has been the puppy stage,” said Dannelle. “He loves fetch, playing outside, and exploring, though we still keep him close while he learns the bounds of the property.”

Dannelle is one of hundreds of families this year who have adopted a pet through FWACC. She praised the staff for their guidance and support throughout the process.

“FWACC kept me in the loop the whole time. They updated me on his vaccinations, took care of his neuter surgery, and even microchipped and registered him to me,” she said.

While Bear’s journey began in heartbreak, it’s now filled with love and the wide-open skies of Colorado. And his new family couldn’t imagine life without him.

“I feel like it was destiny that he came to live with us,” said Dannelle.

If you’re ready to change an animal’s life, maybe even your own, consider adopting from Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. 

Watch Bear's story!