Faces of No-Kill: Bespectacled pup wins over family

If Doug the dog is outside, he’s probably sporting his signature blue sunglasses. These shades serve both fashion and function. Not only do they make him look impossibly cool, they help him see the world more clearly and comfortably.

Doug, a 3-year-old pup with an infectious smile, came to the Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville, Arkansas, from a shelter several hours away. His sunny disposition and boundless energy earned him the nickname the “Prince of Play.” Whether it was tug-of-war with other dogs or fetch with Best Friends staff, Doug was always ready for fun.

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However, there was one issue: A foster volunteer observed that Doug couldn’t see very well. (He could only see a toy if someone put it right in front of his face.) A visit to a veterinary eye specialist revealed that Doug had mydriasis, a condition where the pupils don’t constrict and are always dilated. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but a pair of dog sunglasses would help him see better in bright light.

To make up for his vision loss, Doug used his mouth to explore the world. He would get excited and mouth people’s arms and hands. Doug was still warm and friendly, but his mouthing behavior made it difficult to find him the right adopter. So staff and dedicated foster volunteers worked with Doug to cut back on his mouthiness.

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Meanwhile, Ralph and DeAndra Bartley were heartbroken over the passing of their beloved dog, Kilo. But eventually, DeAndra says, "we couldn’t handle the lack of the pitter patter of paws on the floor anymore.” The search began for a new pup to love.

The couple visited the pet resource center and were instantly charmed by Doug — sunglasses and all. They could envision a life with Doug and decided to adopt him. Ralph, a detective and former K-9 handler with the sheriff’s department, knew he could continue working with Doug to help him become his best self. Today, this playful pup’s future is as bright as the sun thanks to people who believed in him.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.