Ever since he found his way into Karen Velazquez’s loving care, Sanford, once labeled a “broken dog,” can’t seem to stop smiling. His infectious happiness has touched the hearts of everyone who meets him.

Karen, who has fostered over 50 dogs, attests that Sanford is the happiest canine she has ever encountered. “The way he looks at me is like no other animal or person,” Karen shares. “Not even my own pets have looked at me with such adoration. The only time his smile fades is when he’s asleep or eating.”

But Sanford’s journey to happiness hasn’t been an easy one. He was rescued by animal control in April after being struck by a car, leaving him unable to move. Additionally, rescuers discovered a gunshot wound on his right rear leg. Unfortunately, due to limited resources at the small municipal shelter in Dallas, Texas, where Sanford was taken, he did not receive the necessary medical attention for a week.

Fortunately, a volunteer from Dallas DogRRR recognized Sanford’s dire situation and stepped in to help. Kerry Anechiarico, the executive director of Dallas DogRRR, describes Sanford’s initial state as physically shattered. He had lost all hope, seemingly waiting for his moment to give up. However, everything changed when Sanford entered foster care with Karen Velazquez.

Sanford arrived at Karen’s home on May 1, just days after being released from the hospital. Since then, his smile has never wavered. Karen believes that the moment Sanford stepped into her house, he sensed he was in a safe and loving environment.

Now known affectionately as “Sanfee,” Sanford spends his days enjoying home-cooked meals, going on daily walks, and playing with Karen’s other dogs. Despite being a senior dog at the age of ten, Sanford defies his age.

“He’s just like any other ten-year-old dog,” says Anechiarico. “He reminds me of an elderly person in a nursing facility. He may be 95 in dog years, but he acts like he’s in his fifties.”

While Sanford is content in his foster home, everyone hopes for him to find his forever home. Anechiarico believes he would make an exceptional family dog, getting along well with other dogs, people, and even children.

“He’s the perfect companion to come home to,” Anechiarico adds. “He will greet you with a wagging tail and keep you company throughout the day. Sanford is simply a dog filled with boundless joy.”