Some dogs come into your life as fosters, and some quietly become a part of your soul. Brando was both.
Brando was just seven months old when Labradors and Friends pulled him from the Riverside shelter. He had a fungal infection on his muzzle, and shortly after coming into foster care, he suddenly collapsed. We discovered he was suffering from tick-borne illness, which turned what was supposed to be a short foster stay into months of helping him recover.
Brando was my very first foster—and my only foster fail. Somewhere along the way, I fell completely in love with him. My foster became my dog, my constant companion, and my soul companion.
A Life Lived with Joy
Once Brando was healthy, he embraced life with his whole heart. He loved playing fetch, going to doggie day camp, taking walks, and spending time with his sister, Leia.
And he absolutely loved chasing squirrels. In fact, chasing a squirrel led to the leg injury that ultimately required TPLO surgery.
Gone Far Too Soon
We hoped the surgery would get him back to the things he loved. Tragically, Brando developed complications from the surgery, and we lost him on June 13, 2025, at just seven years young.
His story will never be defined by how he died. It will always be about how he lived—with incredible resilience, joy, and so much love.
The Dog Who Changed the Plan
I had spent years fostering dogs, believing my job was to help them find their forever homes. Brando taught me that sometimes the plan changes.
Sometimes the dog you think you are rescuing is the one who rescues you.
Brando came to me as a sick little puppy who needed a chance. Instead, he gave me seven beautiful years of love, laughter, companionship, and memories I will carry forever.
I will always be grateful to Labradors and Friends for pulling that little puppy from the Riverside shelter and bringing him into my life.
He was my first foster.
He was my only foster fail.
And forever, he will be my soul companion.
Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever my boy.
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