“He spent about eight months in the shelter,” Luis Sanchez, director of public relations and communications at Austin Pets Alive!, told The Dodo. “He was lovable, energetic and often overlooked simply because he was a husky with separation anxiety. After a short-lived sleepover stay, he ended up back at the shelter, where he was incredibly stressed and trying to chew out of his kennel. I called my wife and told her that I would probably show up with a dog later that day.”

Sanchez began fostering Balto in the hopes of helping him relax and get one step closer to finding his forever home. He and his wife took Balto everywhere, from breweries to adoption events, and posted all over social media singing Balto’s praises. Finally, his forever family found him — including his new sister.

“A family from New Braunfels emailed saying they wanted a husky that was good with kids,” Sanchez said. “A few days later, I drove an hour out of town to visit the family’s home, and they fell in love. It was the cutest thing when their little daughter grabbed his leash and started giving him a tour of their home, saying, ‘This is my room; this is my parents’ room.’”