At PAWS Shelter of Central Texas, staff members are used to loving the animals who pass through their doors.
But Teddy is different.
“Teddy is one of those dogs whose being here has broken our hearts for ten months,” Dianne Scott of PAWS told The Dodo. “Every time he’s passed by and overlooked, they break a little more.”
When Teddy arrived in February 2025, the 7-year-old black Labrador had just been surrendered by the only family he’d ever known. Overnight, his world changed. The home he trusted was gone. The people he loved didn’t come back.
“It was very hard and confusing for Teddy when he was brought in,” Scott said. “The worst part was that we couldn’t explain to him in words what was going on.”
The first few days were the hardest. The kennel was loud. The routine unfamiliar. Teddy’s eyes searched for something — someone — who never appeared.
But even in his sadness, his personality began to shine through.
“Teddy quickly became a staff favorite through his goofy antics and obsession with his stuffies, and showing off his fetch skills,” Scott said.
It started with one plush toy.
Then another.
Before long, everyone realized Teddy had a soft spot — not just emotionally, but literally. He adored stuffed animals. He carried them gently in his mouth, parading them proudly like treasures.
“He will happily grab one as he trots along on his walk,” Scott said. “He also likes to make sure you’re watching and appreciating how well he’s taking care of the toy, as he glances at you over his shoulder.”
You can watch Teddy carrying his stuffie everywhere here:
It’s as if he’s saying, Look. I’m being good. I’m ready.
As the weeks turned into months, Teddy remained overlooked. Younger dogs came and went. Smaller dogs found homes. Flashier dogs caught attention.
Teddy stayed.
Through it all, he clung to his plushies for comfort — and to the staff who love him deeply.
“He is a true lover-boy and craves human connection,” Scott said. “Teddy simply wants a person or persons to love him and be with him.”
He doesn’t ask for much. A soft couch. A yard or a park for a good game of fetch. A pair of hands to scratch behind his ears. A heart that won’t give up on him.
“Teddy doesn’t need much, just a pair of loving hands, a couch and a place to play fetch!” Scott said.
The team at PAWS continues to shower him with affection, making sure he never goes a day without love — even if it isn’t yet the forever kind.
“He’s so special and so sweet,” Scott said. “We can’t wait to find out who the lucky ones are that adopt him, and we’re sure they’ll be worth the wait!”
For now, Teddy waits.
A plush toy tucked gently in his mouth.
Hope still in his eyes.
To inquire about adopting Teddy, you can fill out an application here.
To help pets like Teddy get the care they need, you can donate to PAWS Shelter of Central Texas here.
