Two Old Guys, One New Beginning

J.R. Gave Fostering a Try. Timmy Had Other Plans.

He’d seen plenty of people fall in love with pets they never expected to bring home. But, J.R. never expected it to happen to him. This time, it was his turn.

“A chunky, senior Chihuahua isn’t what I was envisioning for my next pet,” J.R. admits. Then he met Timmy.

Timmy arrived at Joybound as a senior dog needing care, including extensive dental work. Surrendered by his previous family, he had lost the security he knew and was very shy around new people.

That’s when J.R. stepped in and offered to foster Timmy. It was his first time fostering, and the arrangement was only meant to be temporary.

Timmy had other plans.

As the two spent more time together, their connection grew. Timmy slowly learned to trust again, while J.R. discovered just how much he enjoyed having a little sidekick along for the ride. Before long, Timmy was accompanying him to work, the hardware store, the bagel shop, and just about everywhere in between.

The temporary foster officially became what Joybound affectionately calls a “foster fail”: J.R. adopted Timmy.

Today, the pair are inseparable and are lovingly known as the two “old guys” driving around town.

“Timmy found his person, and I found a love that I didn’t know I was missing,” J.R. says.

Sometimes the connection you need most isn’t the one you planned for. It’s the one that climbs into the passenger seat and quietly becomes part of your everyday life.

Please Note: This article was featured in Joybound’s Fall 2026 issue of Joy Magazine. With a gift of just $25 to Joybound, you can be added to our mailing list and receive Joy in your mailbox for one year!