“He was at the shelter for almost six months, and hardly anyone looked at him because he was kind of mopey and sad; no one really wanted to give him a chance.”
This was the unfortunate reality for a rescue dog named Brickle, who had faced many hardships in his life at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, Florida. He spent his days in a kennel, feeling overlooked and downcast, simply because he didn’t exude the same energy as other dogs. However, everything changed when one family stumbled upon him and decided to give him a loving home.
Peanut Butter Brickle
Brickle arrived at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay from a shelter in Alabama that was at full capacity. As Rachel Johnson, Brickle’s new mom, shared, “He wasn’t a dog that a lot of people would’ve been drawn to just because he wasn’t overly happy or excited.” But when Rachel and her husband, Nathan, saw Brickle’s sad demeanor, they knew they had to bring him home, already having another rescue dog named Digby Pancake. Since 2011, they have been chronicling their adventures with their dogs through a daily blog.
Determined to show how a rescue dog could transform a life, Rachel and Nathan made a pivotal lifestyle decision years ago. In 2015, they sold their home, purchased an RV, and began traveling across the U.S. to visit animal shelters.
“Our original goal was just to do it for a year, showcasing what people across the nation are doing for animals and how others could contribute. However, our dogs love to travel so much that we simply kept going, and we’re still at it,” Rachel shared.
Now traveling for almost seven years, Brickle has been ecstatic to join the adventure. He was saved by them, but he has also brought joy and purpose back into their lives.
“He is unlike any other person, dog, individual that I have ever met,” Rachel explained. “He can sense my moods instantly. I struggle with depression, and he has saved my life many times by keeping me motivated.” While Brickle rarely shows overt emotions, when he does, it feels like a precious moment.
“Your Heart Beats For Your Dog”
Brickle is a truly unique dog who cherishes his new lease on life and opportunity to explore. “He will sit by an ocean, on the shore, and he will stare at the waves for hours, and I wonder, what is he thinking about?” Rachel reflects.
Last year, the family faced heartbreak with the loss of Digby, Brickle’s brother and closest companion. Struggling with grief, Brickle lacked the energy for his usual activities, prompting Rachel and Nathan to adopt a new rescue dog named Fruitycake, hoping to restore Brickle’s lost joy. Fruitycake, also overlooked in the shelter, quickly formed a bond with Brickle.
“Brickle doesn’t like anyone really touching him or cuddling him, but he allows Fruitycake to snuggle up next to him. Their friendship is just beautiful.”
Now almost 13 years old, Brickle can no longer tackle long hikes as he once did, but he remains determined, finding motivation in Fruitycake’s presence. “I wouldn’t change anything about our travels, even with a senior dog. It keeps him young and engaged; there’s no way he would be happy without experiencing new sights and smells each week,” Rachel shares.
Brickle has always been an old soul—intuitive, wise, and more akin to a person than just a dog.
“I love him. It’s like your heart beats for your dog. There is no one like Brickle and there never will be anyone like him.”
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates both Brickle and the amazing family who has provided him with a life overflowing with love and hugs.
Learning about Brickle’s heartwarming journey has been the highlight of my day, and I hope it touched you too. Sometimes, dogs may not fit the ideal mold, but what truly matters is the love within their hearts.
If you’d like to follow Brickle and his wonderful family, be sure to check out their blog, YouTube channel, or their Facebook profile.
