#IStreetdog: Bailey Hart

I started volunteering with Streetdog over the summer of 2015 and had no idea how much my life would change. On July 20, I met a dog named Brody. He was curled up in the back of his kennel while all the others were barking. I approached his kennel and he lifted his head, showing no emotion. I walked in and sat with him, he moved his head over to my lap and let out a big sigh. In the weeks following I sat with him almost daily, bringing him toys and treats. He wasn't physically hurt but he was heartbroken. On September 17th, I took Brody home for the weekend to meet my family and two small dogs. He liked my parents and my grandmother but wasn't sure about my dogs, so we kept everyone separated that weekend. I brought him back that Sunday and it tore me apart. I came home and felt like the house was empty. My parents agreed that I could foster him over Thanksgiving break. He was with us for a week and got to know my family and my dogs. He and my Scottie, LuLu became best friends. The night I brought him back I came home and my mom was waiting for me and told me that she couldn't stand that Brody went back to boarding. On December 8th I brought Body home for good.

Being only 17 I was more concerned with going out with friends but after having Brody that one weekend, I know I not only wanted him but needed him. I not only rescued Brody from his depression, he rescued me. Streetdog has made me want to be a better person than the person I was the day before. Volunteering with Streetdog has made me realize that patience is key, love is all you need, and there is some good left in the world. I couldn't imagine waking up without Brody lying next to me tapping my face with his paw because he's ready to go play with his foster sister. Streetdog is a family that supports one another no matter what. Watching a dog that was abused, neglected, and unloved turn into a loving, family dog is beautiful.

"Saving one dog won't change the world, but surely for that dog the world has changed forever."

#sdfBrody #sdfVols #IStreetdog