Kuzco—affectionately called “Kuzy Kuz”—arrived as a frantic ball of stress, chewing desperately at his kennel bars and barking out in sheer frustration. Overwhelmed and deeply anxious, he clearly needed more than just ordinary patience; he required dedicated, skilled help to find his calm.

That’s when the Behavior Team stepped in. With deep compassion and steady expertise, they worked with him daily, refining his leash skills, teaching him manners, and creating healthy outlets for his boundless energy. Every walk was transformed into a thoughtful training session, filled with constant redirection and gentle encouragement. Slowly but surely, the notes in his file began to change: “Pushy” was gradually replaced by “playful,” “anxious” quietly turned to “excited,” and “jumpy” softened into the far sweeter “wiggly.”

Miranda, one of his most devoted trainers, adored him despite all the delightful chaos. She lovingly called him her “crazyhead”—and each week, her tone grew undeniably fonder. “I really did like him,” she later reflected. “He challenged me, but he always put in the work.”

Then, one unforgettable day, the perfect adopter walked in. As the adoption paperwork was being finalized, Miranda stopped by his kennel one last time to say a quiet goodbye. Kuzco immediately lit up at the sight of her, his tail wagging wildly as she scratched his ears and laughed, “Crazyhead.”

He finally left the shelter walking in a perfect heel, calm and confident, ready to begin his new life—a living testament that with the right support and unwavering belief, every dog can truly thrive.