After eight years and three homes, “Old Man Houston,” an 8-year-old lab-boxer mix, has finally found his “forever home” with a retired Worcester man.
Houston, a Florida native, found his way to Massachusetts in 2017 at just 2 years old, in the midst of a relocation movement pushed by the ASPCA ahead of a Category 4 hurricane set to strike the Sunshine State.
“We partnered with the ASPCA to take over 100 animals,” said Second Chance Animal Services Animal Relocation Director Wendy Hall. “He was here from September of 2017 until January, 2018.”
Though Houston spent a few years with his initial adopters, he was surrendered to Second Chance Animal Services in East Brookfield for a second time as the family’s circumstances changed in 2021.
Houston and adopter, Don Karsberg share a photo outside of the East Brookfield Second Chance Animal Shelter.Dallas Gagnon
“He went to another family a few weeks later and it was not a good fit,” said Hall. “We always take our animals back if it’s not a good fit.”
She said when Second Chance Animal Services received Houston’s paperwork in 2017, it was noted he did not respond well to other animals.
“Houston does not get along with other animals which is why it took so long to find an appropriate home,” said Lindsay Doray, Second Chance Animal Services chief development officer. “His issue was not about training.”
In 2023, Houston was briefly rehomed for a third time, but it did not last.
“This time, we said we would hold him until we found a perfect match,” said Hall. “We wanted to be sure it was his forever home and was someone who really understood his situation.”
It would be about a year before Houston would meet his final adopter.
Hall said the staff conducted home visits to verify the adopter had a fenced in area for Houston and would not be exposed to other animals.
Dan Karsberg, a retired Worcester resident, said he was on the look out for a companion when he visited Second Chance in January.
“My neighbor from across the street adopted from here about year ago,” said Karsberg. “I came in to look at another dog and a lady told me Houston’s story.”
After he left the shelter, Karsberg said he “couldn’t stop thinking about him,” and went back to visit Houston.
During his initial visit, Karsberg said Houston “sat up, and then sat back down.”
“I took it as ‘he’s not here for me,’” said Karsberg.
During his second visit, Karsberg said he brought Houston outside to play, and Houston leaned into him.
“Just like they said on his paperwork — he is sweet,” said Karsberg. “I am lucky and I think he is pretty lucky, too.”
Houston will celebrate one month at his forever home on March 8, and will celebrate his 9th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.
Houston will be nine this St. Patrick’s Day – March, 17.Dallas Gagnon
“For 9 years old, he is quite active,” said Karsberg. “He loves to go on rides, walks in the woods and loves to play fetch.”
As for treats, Kasberg said Houston likes bacon plaque sticks and enjoys a “chunk of bacon before and after breakfast.”
Volunteer Mike Byrnes said while Houston was living at the shelter, he was his “coffee buddy.”
“I would bring him to get coffee, apple slices and cheese sticks,” said Byrnes.
Second Chance Animal Services Volunteer Coordinator Chris Wojnar said she would bring pieces of bacon from home to share with Houston. “We try to give them as much normalcy as they can have.”
Byrnes said he took Houston out on Christmas Eve this past year to spend the night at a hotel. “He would jump back and forth between the two hotel beds,” said Byrnes.
He said during their stay, instead of sleeping on his own bed, Houston was “hogging up” Byrnes.
Now, Houston is taking over Karsberg’s king bed.
“I put a blanket out on his side so he’d get the hint,” said Karsberg, but he has not.
Hall said “it’s amazing,” to see Houston find a permanent living situation. “It’s one of those things …. you’ve just seen him so many times, you forget he’s looking for his forever home.”
“It is such a great fit.”
While Karsberg said Houston is not a kisser or a lap dog, Houston does occasionally lay his head on Karsberg’s lap and give him his paw.
“His paw is his way of showing affection,” said Byrnes.
Karsberg said Houston’s routine now includes going outside “to take care of business,” going out for a morning coffee run, returning home for breakfast and watching squirrels with his head laid and eyes staring out his window.
