Marine and Marathon Runner Helps Shelter Dogs Find Forever Homes

Wesley Swainston, a 27-year-old active duty Marine and marathon runner, has found a unique way to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs. Every week, he visits nearby shelters, taking dogs out for walks and documenting their journeys to showcase their personalities and help them find forever homes.

Wesley noticed that many shelter dogs lack socialization and interaction with humans, leading to fearful behavior around people and everyday things like cars or leaves blowing in the wind. He believes that by taking them out for runs, he can expose them to the outside world, reducing their stress levels and helping them become more adoptable.

One notable success story is Bear, a pit bull boxer mix who had been at the shelter since he was a puppy. Bear was known for his high energy and jumping habits, making it difficult for him to find a forever home. After months of running with Wesley and being featured on his social media, Bear was finally adopted by a family from Maine.

Wesley's efforts have resulted in multiple dogs finding homes every month. He documents each dog's progress on his social media platforms, allowing potential adopters to see their personalities and adventures. This exposure has been instrumental in helping these dogs find their forever homes, making a significant impact.

Wesley hopes to inspire others to spend time with their local shelter dogs. He emphasizes that even a small amount of time can make a significant difference in an animal's life. "If you just set aside a little bit of time, you can make a huge difference in a person's life and an animal's life," he says.

Wesley's initiative not only benefits the dogs but also provides him with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. "It made me feel like I'm making a difference," he says. "This has given me way more than I've sacrificed."

Through his actions, Wesley Swainston is showing that with a little effort and compassion, anyone can make a significant impact on the lives of shelter dogs. His story serves as a powerful testament to the difference one person can make.

Key Takeaways

• Marine Wesley Swainston runs with shelter dogs to socialize them and help them find homes.
• Many shelter dogs lack socialization, leading to fearful behavior around people and everyday things.
• Wesley's efforts have resulted in multiple dogs finding homes every month.
• He documents each dog's progress on social media to showcase their personalities.
• Wesley hopes to inspire others to spend time with local shelter dogs.