The best cure for fear is love, particularly in the animal realm, where countless four-legged beings confront their deepest fears daily. Abandonment, predators, traffic, and the threat of abuse can all be soothed by a loving approach.
Van Buren, once a skittish puppy roaming the streets of California, never envisioned overcoming his fears with love—but that’s exactly what happened! One day, as he wandered the street that bears his name, Mary, a local horse veterinarian, spotted him. Recognizing his desperation for rescue, Mary, with her experienced eye, could see the plea in his eyes, despite his skittish demeanor.
From Daily Visits To A Temporary Home
Mary’s persistence paid off as she spent days visiting him, providing food, and slowly gaining his trust. He began to accept her presence and even allowed her to pet him for the first time before letting her put a leash on him.
The next crucial step in Van Buren’s recovery was to build trust. Rather than take him to a shelter, Mary decided to bring him to her horse ranch, turning out to be an excellent decision. Today, Van Buren is a happy and confident dog, vaccinated and neutered.
“She has had him for over a month and has worked with him every day and he’s a lovely dog. He is now vaccinated and neutered. We think approximately 6 months. Sort of a lab mix. He’s about 50lbs,” says Van Buren’s Petfinder profile.
Van Buren Is Looking For A Home

In no time, this adorable canine mastered socialization and obedience. He has made friends with other dogs and even other animals, forming a strong bond with people! He adores both adults and children and would make an excellent companion for any family. His profile highlights, “He’s good with people and other dogs. He’s really a nice dog and would make a great pet for someone looking for a large dog.”
Currently, Van Buren enjoys his time at Mary’s spacious ranch, fully embracing the beauty of nature. After everything he has been through, he finally feels safe and loved, prepared to return that love wholeheartedly. What he truly seeks, however, is a family and a forever home. Mary hopes that potential adopters are close by and ready to offer this sweet pup a lifetime of happiness, as he certainly does not deserve to be abandoned or left on the streets again. He embodies love, and now he simply needs someone to share it with!