“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 Brickle, a rescue dog with a challenging past. Brickle spent his days at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in Florida, feeling lonely and despondent in his kennel. Overlooked by potential adopters who preferred more excitable dogs, his fate changed when one family entered the shelter and gave him a chance.
Peanut Butter Brickle
Peanut Butter Brickle came to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay from a shelter in Alabama that had no room left. “He wasn’t a dog that a lot of people would’ve been drawn to just because he wasn’t overly happy or excited,” said Brickle’s new mom, Rachel Johnson. Upon seeing his sad demeanor, Rachel and her husband, Nathan, decided to adopt him, making Brickle part of their family that already included another rescue dog, Digby Pancake. The couple has documented their adventures through a daily dog blog from their dogs’ perspective since 2011.
Driven by a desire to highlight the importance of rescue dogs, Rachel and Nathan embarked on an adventurous journey years ago. After selling their house in 2015, they purchased an RV with aspirations of traveling across the USA while visiting animal shelters.
“Our original goal was just to do it for a year, visiting shelters to show how people contribute to animal welfare and how others can get involved. However, our dogs love to travel so much that we kept going, and we’re still at it,” Rachel shared.
The family has now been on the road for nearly seven years, and Brickle enjoys the journey.
They saved Brickle’s life, but he also transformed theirs.
“He is unlike any other person or dog I have ever met,” Rachel noted. “He can sense my moods instantly. I struggle with depression, and he has saved my life many times by keeping me moving.” Though Brickle typically keeps his emotions to himself, when he does express them, it feels like a precious moment.
“Your Heart Beats For Your Dog”
Brickle is a truly unique dog who deeply appreciates his new life, filled with travel and exploration. “He will sit by an ocean and gaze at the waves for hours. I often wonder about his thoughts,” mused Rachel.
Sadly, the family lost their cherished Digby last year. He was not only Brickle’s brother but also his best friend. This loss deeply affected Brickle, leaving him grief-stricken and lethargic. To restore Brickle’s joy, Rachel and Nathan decided to adopt another rescue dog named Fruitycake, who, like Brickle, had spent months in a shelter. This new addition helped Brickle regain his purpose and happiness.
“Brickle doesn’t typically allow anyone to touch him or cuddle him, but he lets Fruitycake sleep beside him and wrap his arms around him. Their friendship is truly beautiful.”
At nearly 13 years old, Brickle can’t hike like he once did, but he remains determined. Fruitycake serves as a significant source of motivation for him.
“I wouldn’t change anything about our travels, even for a senior dog. It has kept him youthful, mentally stimulated, and physically active,” Rachel stated. “There’s no doubt he wouldn’t be happy without the fresh sights and smells we encounter each week.” Brickle embodies an old soul—intuitive and wise, resembling more of 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 another like him.”
This truly sums up the essence of Brickle and the wonderful family that has provided him with a loving new life.
Discovering Brickle’s remarkable story truly brightened my day, and I hope it had the same effect on you. Some dogs may not seem ideal at first glance, but what truly counts is the love and loyalty that resides in their hearts.
If you want to follow Brickle and his beautiful family, visit their blog, YouTube channel, or their Facebook profile.
