Working in animal rescue is a deeply rewarding experience, but it comes with its fair share of emotional challenges. For shelter volunteers and staff, it can be incredibly difficult to care for dozens of dogs every day while also trying to find each one the loving forever home they deserve. Many dogs end up waiting far longer than they should, not because they are not lovable or adoptable, but simply because there is not enough time or attention to go around.
Despite these difficulties, dedicated rescuers refuse to give up. They attend local adoption events, share stories and photos on social media, and look for creative ways to give these dogs a better chance at finding a family. One volunteer named Wesley Swainston found a unique and inspiring approach that combined his passion for fitness with his love for animals. His thoughtful action would bring attention to a long-overlooked shelter dog and deliver a surprising twist that touched hearts along the way.
Wesley Swainston is no stranger to discipline, compassion, and hard work. As a member of the United States Marine Corps, he has always sought ways to make a positive difference during his free time. While stationed in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Wesley began volunteering at the Adoption First Animal Shelter. There, he saw firsthand how many wonderful dogs were spending weeks and even months waiting for a home.
Wesley realized that many people in the community simply did not know these dogs existed. He came up with a simple yet powerful idea. As someone who frequently went on runs to stay in shape, he decided to take the shelter dogs with him. This allowed the dogs to enjoy much-needed time outside the shelter environment. Not only did it give them physical exercise and mental stimulation, but it also served as an opportunity to introduce them to the public.
Each time Wesley went out for a run with a dog, he brought along small cards that shared the dog’s name, photo, and adoption information. These “business cards” made it easy for anyone who interacted with the dog to learn more about them and take the next step toward adoption.
Eventually, Wesley moved from North Carolina to New Mexico. But his passion for helping rescue dogs did not fade. He continued volunteering at a local shelter called the Bernalillo County Animal Care and Resource Center. It was there that he met a dog who would touch his heart deeply.
The dog’s name was Elmer. Despite being incredibly sweet and gentle, Elmer had spent over 130 days in the shelter. His shy nature made it difficult for him to make a strong impression on potential adopters. While other dogs might jump at the chance to greet visitors, Elmer often stayed quiet and reserved. This made it hard for people to see his true personality.
Wesley was immediately drawn to Elmer and wanted to give him the same opportunity he had given other shelter dogs. He decided to take Elmer out for a run through the local trails. It was a chance to let Elmer stretch his legs, enjoy the fresh air, and hopefully catch the eye of someone in the community who might be looking for a loyal companion.
During their run, something unexpected happened. As Wesley and Elmer made their way down the trail, they came across another runner. Wesley paused to introduce himself and told the woman about Elmer’s situation. He explained how Elmer had been waiting for a home for several months and how he was using these runs to give dogs like Elmer more visibility.
The woman was immediately interested in Elmer’s story. While she was not in a position to adopt a dog herself, she was deeply moved by what Wesley was doing and by Elmer’s gentle demeanor. She promised to share Elmer’s information with her network of friends and family, increasing the chances that someone might come forward to adopt him.
That brief interaction may have seemed simple, but its impact could be significant. Word of mouth is a powerful tool in pet adoption. Every person who hears about a dog like Elmer becomes a potential advocate, and those connections often lead to happy endings.
After the run, Wesley brought Elmer back to the Bernalillo shelter. While Elmer had not been adopted that day, the outing was far from a failure. He had enjoyed a joyful experience outside the confines of the shelter. He had made a new connection. And most importantly, he had been seen.
Wesley’s approach to dog rescue is a reminder that sometimes the simplest acts of kindness can have the most profound results. By combining his love for running with his commitment to animal welfare, he created a platform for dogs like Elmer to shine. His efforts helped these dogs get noticed, and that visibility is often the first step toward adoption.
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Elmer is still waiting for his forever home, but there is now more hope than ever. With people like Wesley in his corner and a growing number of people learning about his story, it feels like only a matter of time before the right person comes along.
Stories like Elmer’s highlight the importance of community involvement in pet adoption. Whether you volunteer your time, share adoption posts on social media, or simply talk to others about a dog in need, every action helps. For those inspired by Wesley’s story, consider reaching out to your local shelter. Even something as simple as taking a dog for a walk or run can change their life.
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