By staff writer Leon Russ
CPR is filled with moments of beauty, but at the center of it all is SOS—Save Our Seniors and Specials—the program that defines who we are.
SOS exists for the dogs who are so often overlooked: the seniors, the fragile, the fearful, the ones deemed “too much.” No dog is ever turned away for being too difficult, too shy, or too sick. We meet them where they are, offering patience, understanding, and unwavering compassion. We do not give up on them. Euthanasia is considered only when it is the gentlest, most merciful choice—when comfort is no longer possible, or when a beloved senior reaches the end of their journey surrounded by care and love.
Through SOS, these dogs are given a priceless gift: a second chance. Many come to us carrying the scars of neglect, abuse, or loss, but they are never defined by their past. Instead, they are welcomed with open hearts and steady hands, given safety, dignity, and the promise that they matter. Here, they are not forgotten—they are home.
That brings us to Boston, a beautiful chocolate Standard Poodle who will celebrate his 12th birthday this October. For the past eight years, he’s called our farm home.
Boston came to us after being surrendered because of his bite history. His reactions weren’t born from aggression—they came from fear and pain. Thankfully, those difficult days are long behind him.
When Boston first arrived, he was so frightened that he spent his first three days living in an RV on the property. He would lunge at anyone who tried to bring him out, so our caregivers chose patience over pressure. They made sure he had food, fresh water, and a quiet place to decompress, allowing him to come out when he was ready. They earned his trust one small step at a time.
Today, Boston is safe, healthy, comfortable, and pain-free. More importantly, he knows he is loved. The fearful dog who once couldn’t trust anyone has blossomed into an incredible companion who absolutely loves to cuddle.
Even as he approaches 12 years old, Boston still has a playful spirit. He loves romping around with the other dogs and happily joins in games with his caregivers. Keeping him active gives both his body and mind the enrichment he enjoys, and seeing him play with such joy never gets old.
If you really want to make Boston happy, though, give him a good back scratch or invite him along for a car ride. And don’t forget the butt pats—they always bring out his signature “Boston Butt Dance,” a happy little wiggle that never fails to make everyone smile.
Boston adores spending time with the people he knows and trusts. One of the things we love most about him is how clearly he communicates his boundaries. When he’s had enough affection, he politely lets you know, and respecting that trust has only strengthened the bond we’ve built with him.
Like many dogs, Boston also has a soft spot for treats. They’re the quickest way to his heart and the perfect motivation during his mini training sessions. Show up with a snack in your pocket, and you’ll have his full attention.
Although Boston has mellowed with age, he hasn’t slowed down much. He shows no significant joint or mobility issues, walks beautifully on a leash, and often acts much younger than his years.
Perhaps one of the greatest milestones in Boston’s journey came recently during grooming. He used to require sedation because handling was simply too overwhelming for him. But just a month ago, for the first time, he was groomed without sedation. After years of patience, consistency, and compassion, Boston finally trusted us enough to let us care for him without fear. Moments like that remind us why we never give up.
Many dogs with a bite history, like Boston, spend the rest of their lives in sanctuary. But we never stop believing there’s someone out there who could offer him the quiet, loving home he deserves. This sweet old gentleman has softened so much over the years and would make a wonderful companion for someone looking for a loyal best friend to share peaceful days at home.
And if that person never comes, Boston will never know anything but love. He already has a forever home here with us.
That’s what our SOS program is all about. Not every dog will find the perfect adoptive family, but every dog deserves a lifetime of safety, compassion, and unconditional love. Dogs like Boston will always have a place where they’re understood, accepted, and cherished exactly as they are.
When we watch Boston running through the fields, playing with his dog friends, leaning into the people he loves, and living with complete peace, we’re reminded just how far he’s come. His story is one of healing, patience, and hope—and no matter what the future holds, Boston will always have a home where he is safe, deeply loved, and truly belongs.
At CPR, we are a bridge to forever homes for many adoptable dogs. But for Boston, and for others like him—dogs who may not appeal to adopters yet still have so much joy and life to live—we are their forever home.
We are only able to give Boston this safe, loving sanctuary because of you.
Because of your kindness—whether you donate, volunteer, share our story, or send supplies—dogs like Boston are given a real home. A life filled with comfort, respect, and unwavering care.
You are the reason they are safe.
You are the reason they are loved.
You are the reason they are home.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you—for believing in them, for standing beside us, and for seeing the beauty in those who simply need a little more understanding.
Thank you for giving Boston—and so many others like him—the greatest gift of all:
a place to finally, truly belong.
If you feel called to help dogs like Boston, we invite you to become an SOS monthly or annual sponsor. Your support provides the steady care, comfort, and security our sanctuary dogs depend on every single day.
We need you.
They need you.
And everything we do is only possible because of you.
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