When Trigger first arrived in the care of the SPCA he was underweight and had some skin issues. He had no idea that his life was about to change for the better and he would find his perfect forever family.
The young rottweiler mix was brought into the Dartmouth SPCA on March 8, 2024. From there, he spent nearly a month at the shelter before being transferred to Yarmouth SPCA where he waited to find his person. That person turned out to be Karen Goudey and her boyfriend Bob.
Karen and Bob were already familiar with the SPCA adoption process, as that’s where they found their boxer, Ellie, who had recently passed away. The loss of their beloved Ellie had left an undeniable hole in their hearts. Hoping to find an older dog to welcome into their home, they visited the SPCA and that’s when they met 11-month-old Trigger, who would soon fill that hole in their hearts.
“The first time I met him, I thought he had the cutest ears I had ever seen,” says Karen. “On one visit, he walked over to me, calmy sat on my feet, and looked up as if to say, ‘I just want to be loved.’ I could tell he was very smart. There was so much behind those eyes.” 
After a few visits, Karen and Bob knew Trigger was the one and they brought him home. Their first adventure together was a trip to the beach. “We brought him to the beach for a run first as we live across from the ocean and thought he should start getting used to it. He’s not one for swimming but he loves to run on the sand and splash in the shallow salt water,” says Karen.
When Trigger first arrived in his new home, Karen and Bob tried crating him for a few hours while they were at work, but that only lasted a day. “He looked like he was in jail, and I just couldn’t do it,” says Karen. Fortunately, Trigger was a perfect gentleman in the house. No scratching, no biting, no tearing things up. Instead, he would wait patiently for them to come home from work.
Trigger quickly became a big part of their family, even winning over Karen’s two older cats, MJ and Pickles, though it took some time. “They were mortal enemies for about six months,” says Karen. “Now, it’s a day-by-day thing. When the cats walk by, Trigger’s tail starts wagging. The cats look annoyed but tolerate his playful energy.”
Despite his playful and loving nature, Trigger has his boundaries. He doesn’t do well with other dogs and prefers to be an only child in that regard. However, he absolutely thrives around people, especially children and the elderly. Karen’s two-year-old granddaughter was introduced to him slowly and carefully. “We made sure he was comfortable and gave him lots of treats. He gets excited and likes to jump so we keep an eye on him, and he does great with children.”
Trigger has even become a regular visitor at Karen’s father’s long-term care facility. “He absolutely loves the elderly. He gets lots pats on the head, and he’s so gentle with my dad,” she says. 
Trigger’s daily routine is a mix of fun and affection. “Mornings start with breakfast, snuggles, and ear scratches, followed by aggravating the cats, of course. Then, it’s time for a walk or a ride in the car. After lunch he loves to nap and play with his toys,” says Karen.
At night, he sleeps near the end of the bed, always ready to protect his home. “He’s a fierce protector, but not mean in any way. He barks at knocks on the door. He knows this is his home, and he takes that seriously,” says Karen.
It’s clear that Trigger has not only found a loving home but has also given so much love in return. “After Ellie passed, I didn’t think I could love another dog like I loved her,” says Karen. “But I’ve come to realize our hearts just get bigger so the love can fit.”
Karen, Bob, and even the reluctant cats agree that Trigger has completed their family. “He’s so smart, I know he understands everything we say and tries to talk back,” Karen says. And Trigger always keeps his family entertained with his quirks, which include the occasional fridge-opening trick and spinning in circles when he hears the world ‘walk.’
“I think he knows he’s handsome,” Karen laughs. “And he should. His ego is big, and that’s okay.”
Karen encourages everyone considering adopting a pet to check out the SPCA. “They supplied us with food, a crate, a leash, education and support,” she says. “They went above and beyond to ensure that Trigger went to a good stable home.”