When Hollis and Jared adopted Oakley, a lovable dog found roaming the streets in Kentucky, they couldn’t help but feel there must be some bigger story behind his past. Despite not being able to find any answers, they brought him home to Ohio, where he quickly became a beloved member of their family. Oakley was such a perfect dog that Hollis and Jared often wondered how he ended up as a stray. He was crate trained, obedient, and incredibly well-behaved, making him an ideal companion for the busy couple, both of whom are in medical school.
Oakley’s appearance was striking, too, as he looked almost like a furry version of the Target dog, except with a brown circle around his eye instead of a red one. The first toy Hollis and Jared bought for Oakley, a platypus, was torn to shreds within a day, revealing the dog’s playful and energetic side. Oakley quickly became attached to his new family, following them everywhere and always wanting to be close to them.
Jared didn’t grow up with dogs due to his allergies, but he was determined to have a canine companion as soon as he could. Oakley’s presence made dealing with the occasional itchy eyes and runny nose more than worth it. Over time, Oakley became everything that Hollis and Jared thought about first. If they were out with friends, they’d worry about getting home to let him out, feed him, or play with him because they hated being away from him.
Oakley’s mysterious past continued to puzzle Hollis and Jared. He had arrived at their home with scabs and scratches all over his face, as well as Lyme disease and worms, indicating that he had been on the streets for quite some time. Yet, his well-behaved nature around people made it hard to believe he was always an outside dog. They wondered how he managed to survive and what he might have experienced during his time as a stray.
Despite the stress of medical school and the upcoming residency, Hollis and Jared found comfort and unconditional love in Oakley. He even helped Hollis through the mourning process after the loss of her grandmother, providing emotional support and companionship.
Hollis and Jared sometimes worry about the possibility of Oakley having a previous family that might be looking for him. They asked the adoption agency about this, but received no definitive answers. They know they may never know Oakley’s full story, but they’re grateful for the chance to be his best friends for the rest of his life.
Toledo, United States.
