We’ve all heard the expression “the third time’s the charm” but in Frank’s case, it was the fourth time when fate brought him the forever home he so longed for and deserved.
Frank’s beautiful soulful eyes tell the story of a dog who has seen ups and downs in his life. On August 20, 2022 Frank was found stray by a Good Samaritan who brought him to safety at the Yarmouth Shelter. He was underweight and had an injured paw.
Once Frank was healthy, he was put up for adoption and went home with a lovely lady in September 2022. Sadly, she had to surrender Frank in December due to her declining health and inability to care for him 24/7.
Frank was transferred to the Kings Shelter at the beginning of 2023 and adopted again in January, this time by a nice family. Unfortunately, over time the family realized they could no longer offer Frank the life he deserved and, putting Frank’s needs first, they surrendered him in May 2024.
Frank had so much love to give; all he needed was the right person to come along. And perhaps a bit of magic was at play when he found his perfect match in Laura Elliott.
Laura said “Learning about Frank was actually a complete fluke.” After moving from Newfoundland to Halifax, Laura missed her family dogs greatly. She had been thinking about adopting a dog and for months, she kept an eye on the SPCA website. Then life got busy and she stopped checking. Long after her search was suspended, Laura was dog-sitting for a friend and felt inspired to take a look again. “Frank’s photo was the fourth one I saw,” recalled Laura. “I don’t know what drew me to him, but I was hooked. I called my partner Iain Duncan immediately and asked if he wanted to visit the Kings SPCA the next day.”
Laura shared “By the time we got to the SPCA, I knew Frank was the only dog I wanted to meet; I felt I knew who I was there for. When we met Frank to take him for a walk, one of the staff members described him as ‘timid but loving’ and I thought that was so endearing. They really hit the nail on the head. While walking Frank, he was so timid, but I could see in those big brown Lab eyes that he had a lot of love to give. Looking back at that moment, I can tell Frank was really longing for his forever home. On June 9th, we were ready to make his wish come true.” 
Five years old, sweet Frank had to work really hard to adapt to his new home. Due to how many times Frank passed from one home to another, he understandingly had fairly significant separation anxiety. Iain confirmed “It didn’t take Frank long to figure out who his people were and to bond with us, but it also didn’t take him long to realize he never wanted to be apart from his people. For the first three months we had Frank, we actually never left him home alone once. It took working from home, coordinating schedules and putting off date nights, but it was so important that Frank had the chance to settle and get comfortable before he had to worry if his people would come home. Now, I’m happy to say that we can leave Frank alone (with many food-toys to distract him) and he is ecstatic every time we come back through the door.”
Frank has blossomed in so many ways since being adopted, explained Laura. “When we first brought Frank home, he was skittish around new people, kept his tail tucked between his legs and held his head low. Now, he greets new people with a wagging tail and bright eyes, he takes every opportunity to play with dogs that pass him on the sidewalk, and prances around with his head and tail held high. Interestingly, while Frank originally preferred to be the only pet at home, I actually think he would now love a dog friend at home, and we will likely adopt Frank a friend from the SPCA! We had such a great experience adopting, I can’t imagine doing it any other way now. Frank is the epitome of a social butterfly, he will play with any dog that is willing, and he even curls up regularly for naps with Iain’s parents 7-lb. dog Roxy.”
Frank definitely has a list of favourite things. “I always joke and say Frank likes to do anything I’m doing, but it’s really true!” said Laura. “Frank will make himself comfortable anywhere, as long as it means he is close to Iain and me. Beyond just being with us, Frank loves his naps in bed, playing with his food-toys, hiking, camping, cuddling up to his people (the floor, bed, couch, yard, nowhere is off limits – he will find a way into my lap for a snuggle!), lounging in the sun, and chowing down on treats. And Frank will be friendly with anyone who is willing to give him a belly rub!”
The couple cherishes every day with Frank. “It sounds pretty corny,” chuckled Laura “but I have to admit, most moments with Frank are pretty magical. There is nothing quite like reading a book in bed and having Frank snuggle up beside you, hearing how loud he can snore (it’s actually quite impressive), or watching him romp around in the yard. I’m a PhD student, and my days at school can be long and draining. Things as simple as getting to come home and take Frank for his walk, or have a cuddle, bring me so much joy. We have come to learn it’s pretty hard to feel down about a long day once you come home to a dog who is so excited to spend time with you.”
Laura summed up “Frank is truly one of the kindest, most loving dogs I’ve ever met. It is clear how much he appreciates the love he receives, and he returns that love ten-fold. Frank has shown us how rewarding adopting a dog can be; not only are you gaining a best friend, but you’re also giving a deserving dog a second chance at a happy life. Thank you to the SPCA for connecting us with the best dog in the world!”
Please visit our Adoptions page to view the adorable adoptables there. You might just find a best friend to add some magic to your life.