New Year, New Life: Polo's Journey Home

Polo is an 8-year-old gray-and-white pit bull with a smile so big it could light up the room. He came to Dakin in early December after a family member developed allergies. Like so many dogs adjusting to sudden change, Polo arrived feeling overwhelmed and unsure. Those first days were hard—he showed clear signs of stress and anxiety—but beneath it all was a strong, friendly dog trying his best to cope.

Once he had a little time to settle, Polo was behaviorally cleared for adoption. He was energetic, social with people, and eager to connect, even if shelter life made everything feel a bit too intense. Although he’d previously enjoyed the company of other dogs, the busy shelter environment sometimes left him conflicted—interested in play with some, defensive with others. Many mornings, Polo could be found at the front of his kennel, whining and barking, bursting with pent-up energy and desperate to get outside. In Dakin’s courtyard, he loved to run and stretch his legs, but his wide-open panting mouth and oversized pupils told us his stress was still running high.

About a week after his arrival, Polo stopped eating altogether. Giving medication became increasingly difficult, and despite his goofy charm and soulful eyes, there was little interest from potential adopters. It was clear he needed something different—something calmer.

Just days before Christmas, Polo got his wish: a foster home. The change was almost immediate. In the quiet comfort of a home environment, he began to relax and truly shine. His foster caregiver, Mary Jane, shared joyful updates—Polo loved his walks through the park and neighborhood, and when strangers stopped to greet him, he wiggled with delight and soaked up every bit of attention. His appetite returned, his playfulness blossomed, and his true personality began to emerge.

Mary Jane also provided invaluable insight that helped Dakin’s staff better understand Polo’s needs. “He stops to observe small animals like cats and squirrels, but doesn’t try to chase them,” she noted. “He comes to attention when he sees other dogs, but is easily redirected.” Her daughter summed it up perfectly: “Polo would make somebody a good soul dog.”

With this new information, Dakin’s team carefully refined Polo’s adoption profile to set him up for success. His ideal home would need to know the following about him:

• Kids should be 10 and up due Polo’s strength/jumping

• Very strong/not a lot of manners when excited

• Very social though!

• Did well meeting dogs in neighborhood per previous family, has been very stressed and reactive with them in-shelter - recommend he start as only dog in new home

His profile also captured what everyone at Dakin already knew: Polo is a total sweetheart—and at 90 pounds, a devoted lap dog. He’s fully house-trained, already knows sit, give paw, and lay down, and would happily serve as a living, breathing weighted blanket on cold winter nights.

Even with his adoption fee waived to help him find the right match, Polo waited patiently for his next chapter. After a few near-misses, the perfect connection finally came. In the first week of 2026, Polo went home with his new person. New year, new life—and a fresh start he so deeply deserved.

Pets like Polo remind us how essential teamwork and compassion are in animal welfare. He wasn’t a “simple” case, but he was always a good dog with a gentle spirit and so much love to give. Thanks to the dedication of Dakin’s staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, and his adopter, Polo was guided onto a path toward success—and into the home where he truly belongs.