by Terese Shaw

Fresno Bully Rescue shares their animal rescue adventures with us every other month. You can find more of their columns here and on KRL News & Reviews.

At just under a year old, Bixby should have been discovering the joys of puppyhood—cuddling on the couch, learning new tricks, chasing tennis balls in a backyard. Instead, he’s spent nearly his entire young life in a shelter.

Bixby

Bixby arrived as a bright-eyed adolescent, full of promise. But weeks turned into months, and while the shelter staff worked tirelessly to meet his needs, it became clear that the kennel walls were beginning to weigh on him. His spirit, once so open and eager, has started to dim—not from lack of love, but from too long without a home to call his own.

And yet, Bixby remains a gem of a dog. With a sleek coat and soulful eyes, he’s as handsome as they come. But it’s his personality that truly shines. Bixby is outgoing and playful, especially when other dogs are involved. He loves to run, swim, and explore. He recently went on a “doggy date,” treating his companion to a pup cup, a walk through Woodward Park, and a relaxed dinner on a dog-friendly patio. He was a perfect gentleman, proving he’s got what it takes to be someone’s loyal sidekick in both adventure and rest.

Despite growing up in a shelter, Bixby has shown remarkable intelligence and resilience. He knows commands like sit, shake, and down. He’s crate-trained, learned how to use a doggy door within a day, and responds well to structure and routine. He’s not only trainable—he thrives when given the chance to learn.

Still, Bixby’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Because he was raised in a shelter environment, he needs time to adjust to the real world. A low-traffic home with a calm, steady rhythm will help him settle in. He forms bonds quickly with his people, but too many visitors or too much stimulation too soon can overwhelm him. For this reason, a home with teenagers or adults only is ideal. Bixby should also go to a cat-free household.

He’s not a “starter dog”—he’s something better. He’s a dog with depth, sensitivity, and heart, who just needs the right person or family to help him come fully into his own. In return, he offers a kind of loyalty that can only come from a soul who’s waited a long time to love and be loved.

Bixby has been waiting. Waiting for his second chance. Waiting for someone to look past the kennel bars and see the dog he could be.

And maybe—just maybe—that someone is you.

Fresno Bully Rescue
11740 E Belmont Ave, Sanger, CA 93657
Phone: (559) 276-7611
fresnobullyrescue.org

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section here in KRL and on our sister website KRL News & Reviews. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Fresno Bully Rescue.