In the bustling city of Chicago, USA, like in many other places around the world, numerous dogs find themselves in a relentless cycle of wandering the streets or moving between shelters.
Their only wish is to find a loving family and a place to call home forever. Among these hopeful canines is Vardis, a three-year-old mixed breed whose life story is both touching and inspiring.
Vardis: The Early Days
Vardis’s life began under challenging circumstances.
Information about his early puppyhood remains scarce, but his story gains clarity upon his arrival at “One Tail at a Time” (OTAT), a dedicated animal shelter in Chicago.
It was the summer of 2021 when Chicago Animal Care and Control discovered Vardis and brought him to OTAT.
Little did he know, this was the beginning of a transformative journey.
Overcoming Adversity
Upon his arrival at OTAT, it was discovered that Vardis was battling a severe case of pneumonia—a condition that could have been life-threatening if left untreated.
The compassionate staff at OTAT, however, ensured that Vardis received the necessary medical care and affection, enabling him to recover fully.
This experience marked the start of Vardis’s new life, filled with love and care he had never known.
A Glimpse of Home
Vardis’s journey to finding a forever home led him to Lynsey Loan, his first foster caregiver.
In Lynsey’s home, Vardis experienced the warmth and joy of domestic life. It was here that Lynsey, driven by a curiosity about Vardis’s breed, conducted an Embark dog DNA test.
The results were astonishing: Vardis was a unique mix of 50% Golden Retriever, 45.5% American Bully, and 4.5% Bulldog, making him a delightful blend of playful and affectionate traits.
Vardis’s Foster Journey Continues
After his time with Lynsey, Vardis moved to another foster home under the care of Jessica Jones, where he would spend a year.
During his stay at OTAT, Vardis endeared himself to the staff and volunteers with his endearing personality.
His adoption profile painted him as the ultimate companion: “The sweetest, funnest, cuddliest, friendliest dog you’ll ever meet! He is a definite extrovert, and loves to get out of the house and meet the neighbors! He has lots of people and dog friends, and is always looking to make more.”
The Miracle of DNA Testing
While the DNA test initially served to satisfy curiosity, it soon led to an extraordinary revelation.
Lynsey received an email from another dog owner who had also used the Embark DNA test.
It turned out that their dog was related to Vardis, leading to the discovery of his long-lost sister, Brunch.
The Anticipated Reunion
With excitement and a bit of apprehension, Lynsey and Jessica arranged for Vardis and Brunch to meet.
Both dogs had a history of being selective with new acquaintances.
“I was a little nervous leading up to the meeting because Brunch’s family had indicated that Brunch can be a little selective when meeting new dogs, and Vardis also has had mixed experiences with meeting other dogs,” Jessica Jones shared with The Dodo.
A Bond Rekindled
The moment Vardis and Brunch met, it was as if they had never been apart.
They instantly connected, playing and exploring with the comfort and familiarity of long-lost friends.
Witnessing Vardis and Brunch together, joyfully engaging in playful antics and exploring their surroundings, was an incredibly heartwarming sight.
A Journey of Hope and Love
Vardis’s story is a poignant reminder of the countless dogs still searching for their forever homes and the incredible difference love and care can make in their lives.
From his uncertain beginnings to his heartwarming reunion with his sister, Vardis’s journey exemplifies resilience, the power of compassion, and the unexpected surprises life can bring.
His story is a beacon of hope, illustrating the profound impact that a loving home can have on a once-forgotten animal.
A Sweet Moment and Future Hopes
After a delightful reunion where Vardis and his sister Brunch shared their favorite treat, a cheese stick, there’s a glimmer of hope that they might meet again.
It’s comforting to know that Vardis, once a solitary wanderer, has found a connection in this vast world.
Journey to a Permanent Home
Although Brunch’s family couldn’t provide a permanent home for Vardis due to the need for a single dog household, Vardis’ search for a loving family continued.
His story, filled with transitions from the streets to various shelters and foster homes, finally took a turn for the better.
Bo: A New Name, A New Life
In March 2023, after nearly three years of uncertainty, Vardis found his happy ending. Adopted and lovingly renamed Bo, he began a new life in Berwyn, Illinois, with his new dad.
In this loving environment, Bo is not only thriving but also experiencing the love and attention he has long deserved.
His journey from a sheltered existence to being a cherished family member is a heartwarming testament to resilience and the power of adoption.