The moment Chuck Norris understood how the game of fetch worked, everything changed. His world had been uncertain for so long—new places, new people, and so much unknown. But when little Chuck Norris grabbed that tennis ball and trotted across the room to the behavior staff who had been working for weeks to gain his trust, it was clear: he was ready to move forward.

At 8 years old, this mini poodle mix had already lived through more than most. Chuck Norris was found as a stray with a collar too tight around his neck, and when he was found, he’d been brought straight to local animal control. But his trauma went beyond physical. It was pretty clear he needed extra patience,  training, and care before he’d be ready for a home. Whatever he’d gone through had shaken him up a bit, and it was hard to trust anybody around him. That’s where the Connecticut Humane Society entered the picture!

For many pets, time at CHS is a chance to adjust, recover, and get ready for adoption. But some, like Chuck Norris, feel more comfortable outside of a kennel setting—especially after everything he’d been through. So, the team at CHS made a unique plan. (Something every pet who enters the doors gets!) Mornings started with playtime in the yard, followed by long stretches of time in cozy office spaces, where he could curl up near a desk, supervised but stress-free. He didn’t love being handled, and that was okay. His comfort came first.

Over the weeks, his personality shone through. The behavior team discovered that Chuck Norris was playful, clever, and full of opinions—he had a way of making himself known. Playtime in the yard quickly turned into insistent fetch sessions with his favorite tennis ball. And the team was happy to play along!

When it became time for him to start meeting potential families, this little guy wasn’t going to settle for just any home. With everything he’d been through, he needed a family who understood him, who would respect his space and celebrate his quirks.

And one day shortly after being listed as available, that family arrived. They met Chuck Norris, listened to the behavior team’s training plans, learned how best to let their new pup acclimate into their lives, and no question was left unanswered. His new family had the patience, the commitment, and most importantly, the heart to give him the fresh start he deserved.

Now, his days are spent in a home that’s all his own. He still plays like a champion, still has strong opinions, and still carries that spark. It’s thanks to friends like you that Chuck Norris has fetched himself a fresh start!