Every dog has a story
Rickey Henderson
Rickey was the shelter's longest resident with no adoption applications. He became The Comeback Pack's very first rescue, and he has now gone home on a trial adoption with someone who followed his story for a long time.
Their Journey So Far
Rescued
July 17, 2026After weeks spent building The Comeback Pack from the ground up, we were finally ready for our very first rescue. We didn't ask for a specific breed, age, or color — we asked the shelter to introduce us to the longest resident with no applications. They brought us Louie: quiet, sweet, and almost hesitant, as if he couldn't quite believe we were there for him. We gave him a new name too — Rickey Henderson, after baseball's greatest leadoff hitter, because every great game begins with one opportunity. This is where the comeback begins.
His First Ride
July 18, 2026This was his very first ride as a Comeback Pack dog — no more shelter kennel, no more waiting. Just a backseat, a smiling face beside him, and the beginning of a brand-new life.
Clean Bill of Health
July 22, 2026Rickey had his wellness exam with Dr. O and got two paws up! This sweet boy was an overlooked long-timer at an overcrowded shelter before joining The Comeback Pack — now he's healthy, safe, and one step closer to finding the family he's been waiting for.
Home Sweet Home
These days Rickey spends his time on the couch, soaking up all the love he missed out on for too long.
A Stay at the Pet Hotel
August 5, 2026While the team was away, Rickey and his buddy Dumplin' spent a few days at Pawtriotic Pet Hotel — and the updates from the staff were the sweetest. This gentle boy loves to play and wrestle, but don't let the antics fool you: he's affectionate and gets along with just about everyone he meets.
Still Looking, Still Goofy
August 20, 2026Rickey's making his case with a wrestling costume — but don't let the bandana fool you, he's a giant baby underneath. About 2 years old, house trained, crate trained, great with other dogs, and (unofficially) an experienced brewery dog. He'll take a treat, but he'd rather have a belly rub. The costume's even negotiable if you adopt him.
An Offer for the Overthinkers
August 24, 2026Two amazing boys, zero applications. Neither Rickey nor his buddy Dumplin' had received a single adoption inquiry, so we tried something we don't normally offer: foster either of them for up to two weeks, or take either one home on a two-week trial adoption. Both options are free, both are short term, and both leave the door open to adopt if you realize you can't live without him. We'll even loan you a crate and other supplies to make it easy.
Two Weeks to Fall in Love
August 26, 2026Ryan spent an afternoon with Rickey at Grey Iron Brewing Company, and by the end of it he was grinning ear to ear — proof that this dog has never met a stranger he couldn't win over. Rickey is still waiting for his own family, so we're trying something we don't normally offer: a two-week, no-pressure trial. Not sure you're ready to foster? Try Rickey for two weeks. Wondering how a new dog would fit into your household before you commit to adopting? Take him home on a two-week trial adoption instead. No big leap required — just two weeks to see if he fits your life the way he fit into Ryan's afternoon. And if you're already sure, he's still available for a full, permanent adoption too. Apply at thecomebackpack.org.
The Difference a Foster Home Makes
September 1, 2026Put the dog we met at the shelter next to the dog in this video and it is hard to believe they are the same boy. Back then he was quiet and hesitant, the kind of dog people walk past. Now he is on a living room floor grinning through a round of snuggles, completely certain of the people around him. That change is not something we did — it is what a foster home does. The hard part is that he still has not found the family who gets to keep him. If you would like to put that kind of smile on a dog's face, apply to foster: we provide the supplies and the support, you provide the safe place to land.
Rickey Has Left the Building!
September 6, 2026Our very first Comeback Pack rescue has officially gone home on a trial adoption, and we are feeling all the feelings. This is an emotional one for us. Rickey Henderson was The Comeback Pack's very first rescue, and today he went home with someone who has been following his story for a long time and is excited to finally give him the chance he deserves. And Rickey already looks pretty darn happy about it. We don't typically offer trial adoptions. Moving from home to home can be disruptive for dogs, and we want adopters to understand that adoption is a commitment, not a test drive. But rescue also isn't one-size-fits-all. We know Rickey incredibly well. He's happy, stable, adaptable, and pretty much goes with the flow. His potential adopter is a first-time dog owner and understandably a little nervous, but she's also excited, committed to giving this a real try, and has been rooting for Rickey for a long time. In this case, taking some of the pressure off felt like the right thing to do. We also owe a huge thank-you to Rickey's most recent foster. When Rickey moved from our home to theirs, it opened a spot for us to save another dog who needed us. That's the magic of fostering. Now we wait and see. We really think this could be Rickey's forever home, and we're rooting so hard for them. If it is, we'll be over the moon. And if it isn't, Rickey always has a place with us, and we'll still be grateful that someone gave this wonderful boy a chance.
Today
Rickey is home on a trial adoption, and we're rooting so hard for him and his new person. Here's to new beginnings, big adventures, and what we hope is the very best chapter of his Comeback yet.
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