When Balto the husky first arrived at Austin Animal Center, he was in bad shape. A painful eye injury left him needing urgent care, and though vets managed to save his eye, the emotional scars took longer to heal.
Despite being a lovable, energetic dog, Balto spent nearly eight long months in the shelter. His separation anxiety made him a challenge for adopters, and after a short trial stay, he was returned. Stress took over — he even tried chewing out of his kennel.
That’s when Luis Sanchez, director of public relations at Austin Pets Alive!, stepped in.
A Foster Dad With a Mission
Sanchez decided Balto deserved more than a kennel. He called his wife one day and said: “I’ll probably show up with a dog later.” Sure enough, Balto went home with him.
The couple fostered him with patience and love. They took him everywhere — breweries, adoption events — and filled social media with posts about the sweet but overlooked husky. Slowly, Balto began to relax, showing the world his true personality.
The Family That Changed Everything
One day, an email arrived from a family in New Braunfels, Texas. They wanted a husky — one who was good with children. Balto sounded perfect.
Sanchez drove an hour to introduce Balto, and the connection was instant. The family’s little daughter grabbed his leash and began walking him through the house, proudly announcing: “This is my room. This is my parents’ room.”
It was as if Balto knew he was finally home.
A Happy Ending Worth Waiting For
Balto’s adoption was made official shortly after, and today he’s thriving. His new favorite thing? Sticking close to his tiny human sister, who adores him just as much.
After nearly a year of waiting and heartbreak, Balto finally has the life he deserves — a family, love, and a little girl who proudly calls him her best friend.
✨ From unwanted to unbreakable, Balto’s journey proves that sometimes, all it takes is the love of a child to heal even the deepest wounds.
