Lyra, formerly Pepsi, was extremely close to being returned. 
But just like those last few steps to the top of a mountain, her adopters persisted and it’s been a rewarding downgrade since.
Lyra seemed like a great match when Casi R. and her family came to meet her at BHS. The euphoria of the new addition was quickly overshadowed however, when Lyra started jumping on countertops, furniture, and people’s faces. She bullied the pug and annoyed the cats. She constantly needed to be on leash, even in the house.
“During the first few weeks, there were lots of tears,” Casi said. “When Lyra was out, everybody else (two other dogs and four cats) needed to be behind doors.” Conversations with Casi’s boyfriend began about returning Lyra to BHS. They decided not to give up and kept up with the training they had begun. They visited BHS’s Adult Education Seminar led by dog trainer and behaviorist, Shelly Keel, who gave them some pointers and some encouragement.
Shortly after, with perseverance and consistency, Lyra was on the path to becoming that lovely dog Casi and her boyfriend knew she would be when they met.
Now Lyra knows her limits when playing with the pug 
and she even befriended one of the cats. “She is fully potty trained and crate trained,” Casi said with pride. “Crate training is the way to go!” She does good off-leash and is even taking to clicker training.
Lyra is totally loved by her family. Her story is a prime example of the reality that all pets need at least some level of work and patience when adjusting to a new home. Thank you, Casi and household, for putting your frustrations aside to understand what Lyra was also going through, and for your dedication to her training.
Watch a video of the new Lyra here.