In our Where Are They Now series, we’ll be telling the stories of the amazing rescues we’ve placed in loving homes across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. First up is Rio, an adorable female Boston terrier x pitbull cross that we rescued in May 2014 from a high-kill shelter in Lancaster, California.

From the beginning, Thank Dog I Am Out wanted Rio, but another rescue group had already made a commitment to adopt her first. However, when this group failed to pick her up at the shelter after she had been spayed, she was moved onto the kill list automatically, as per shelter regulations (i.e., no second chance). Thankfully, a TDIAO representative just happened to be at the shelter that day to pick up another dog. When she found out that Rio was available again, the team was called, and within moments we snapped her up for her future owner, Jillian.

In Jillian’s own words:

I had always wanted a dog, but I also wanted to make sure I was ready for the responsibility. When Susan (my Aunt) started Thank Dog I Am Out rescue, I knew I wanted to be as involved as I could, but I did not know if I was prepared to make the commitment of adopting. I thought I could start out as a foster, but as soon as Rio jumped into my arms on May 17th, 2014, I knew that I could never let her go. We had some minor struggles at the start, because it was a huge adjustment for Rio and me both, but as soon as she settled in and realized this was her home and that neither of us was going anywhere, she became the most incredible dog. She loves everyone and everything, and the joy she brings to my life is unlike anything I have experienced. She is sweet and crazy and hilarious, and I love her more than anything in this world. Having the support from my family and TDIAO is what made this possible for me, and I am forever grateful for that.

– Jillian Stahr