Music Welcome to snoozecast. The podcast is designed to help you fall asleep. Find us at snoozecast.com and if you enjoy our show, please share it with a friend. This episode is dedicated to our listener on Spotify, who requested more canine themed sleep stories and brought to you by... Tailwax. Tonight, we'll read a tale of belonging. This newscast original sleep story dedicated to our listener on Spotify who asked for more dog themed sleep stories. The term pound for an animal shelter comes from the old British sex and word, pinfold, or pund. An animal pound is a place where stray livestock were impounded. Animals were kept in a dedicated enclosure until claimed by their owners, or sold to cover the cost of impounding. The village pound was a feature of most English medieval villages, and they were also found in the English colonies of North America and in Ireland. Let's get cozy. Close your eyes.

Relax your body into the solveness of your bed.

Now, take a young couple named Joe and Emily. They had dreams as a measurable as the Pacific horizon. Joe, with his easy going demeanor and big heart, worked as a software engineer, a Emily, an artist, found inspiration in the textures and colors of the California landscape.

Their home, a cozy bungalow painted in shades of lavender and periwinkle, was adorned with Emily's whimsical paintings and Jo's shelves of well-worn books. Despite their harmonious life, they had talked for years about the pattering of pause and a bottomless if slabbery affection from a fore-langed friend. One sunny Saturday morning, as Joe Pored all made cold brew coffees, and Emily sketched the dancing shadows outside their window, they found themselves discussing their shared dream of adopting a dog. That itch grew stronger with every cute dog they bumped into. Most recently, it had been a friendly Labrador during one of their evening strolls in nearby Pismobich. What warm expressive eyes the dog had. wagged its tail as they passed each other. Their journey began with an earnest conversation at the kitchen table, surrounded by the soft glow of the morning light. There was a glint in Joe's eyes, as he spoke of the adventures they could share with a dog from hiking in Big Sur to the lazy afternoons in the park. Emily, equally enthralled, imagined the artistic muse a canine companion would become, inspiring new works of art with a free tail wag and playful leap. Now determined, they embarked on a hunt that would lead them to the doors of their local animal shelter. Every weekend, they dedicated their time to visiting the shelter, hopeful that they would find the ideal canine match. Each visit was a voyage of discovery, as they met countless dogs, each with their own unique story and charm. At the Humane Society, they saw dogs of all shapes, sizes and temperaments. From the exuberant pups, tumbling over themselves in a playful frenzy, to the serene seniors, with graying mussels, who gazed at them with a wisdom born of years. Each dog tugged at their heartstrings in their own unique ways, leaving them torn between the many wonderful choices. Week after week, they deliberated, always returning home without a furry friend. They felt an immense responsibility to choose wisely, to ensure that their new pet would fit into their lives, and more importantly, that they could provide the loving home the dog deserved. Their diligence reflected their deep commitment to the endeavor, but it also tested their patience. The couple continued their weakened pilgrimages, undaunted. Each visit was a mix of eager anticipation and a subtle undercurrent of uncertainty. The shelter, nestled against the backdrop of rolling golden brown hills, became a familiar sight to them. promise of companions, and the poignant stories of the dogs seeking homes. Their visits often followed a comforting routine. They would stroll hand in hand through the shelter's corridors, pausing at the kennels to greet the residents within. The chorus of barks, yips, and the occasional plaintiff Howell created a symphony of hope that I co-ed within. Emily would kneel down and gently extend her fingers through the bars, offering quiet words of comfort and a tender smile. Joe would follow suit. His calming presence resonating with the dogs, they both understood the gravity of their mission, knowing that the dog they chose would leave an indelible mark on their lives. They encountered a kaleidoscope of dogs, each with its own personality and charm. There was Max, a boisterous border collie with an insatiable appetite for play. Luna, a dainty dox and a mix with soulful eyes that seemed to speak of past adventures, and buddy, a wise of scruffy senior terrier, who looked at them with a knowing gaze that hinted at the wisdom of age. One weekend a thame countered Ruby, a spirited young Labrador mix. Her bumless energy and wagging tail were infectious, and Jo and Emily couldn't help but be drawn to her exuberance. They spent hours playing fetch with her in the shelter's fenced yard, sharing laughs and imagining the adventures they could embark on. Yet, as the sun dipped below their horizon, casting long shadows on the shelters' grounds, they reluctantly left Ruby behind. They were torn between their desire for a spirited choice like rupee and their responsibility to ensure a harmonious fit. As the weeks turned into months, their friends and family began to wonder if they were on an endless quest. They were often asked, is this another summer weekend you'll spend visiting the shelter? Joer Emily would smile and reply with a shrug. We'll know when it's right. The following weekend they met Sadie, a gentle and affectionate Beagle with soulful eyes that seemed to search their souls in a mournful howl that would surely keep their neighbors awake. Nevertheless, her demeanor was a soothing balm to their restlessness and they spent hours sitting with her, petting her soft ears. Once again, they left without making a commitment,

wrestling with the weighty decision before them. The search continued, and each week Brought new encounters, new connections, and new doubts.

Friends and family, again, began to offer their own opinions, encouraging them to make a choice. But the couple remained steadfast in their search for the ideal match. They understood that this was a commitment for life. A promise to care for a faithful dog who would become an integral part of their daily existence. They knew that someday amidst the cacophony of barks and the bitterbatter of eager paws, they would find the one dog whose presence would light up their lives, a keen-eyed companion who would complete their family in the most beautiful way imaginable. As summer turned to fall, the couple's visits to the shelter became a cherished Saturday ritual after they visited their favorite coffee shop, of course. Each visit was a blend of excitement and trepidation, an expedition that seemed to have no no end in sight. Yet, they remained undeterred in their pursuit, to find their dog. On a particularly bright and sunny autumn day, the kind that California is renowned for, They made their way to the shelter once more.

The Sh- California is renowned for. They made their way to the shelter once more. The shelter's entrance was adorned with vibrant flowers, proof of the dedication of the staff, who poured their energy into caring for the animals within. The air was filled with the smell of dogs and the chorus of canine voices, each one vying for attention and a chance at a loving home. As they entered the shelter, the familiar sights and sounds greeted them, like old friends. The jingling of metal tags on callers, and the clicking of nails against the linoleum floor. The hopeful eyes that peered out from behind the kennel bars.

And the gentle chatter of volunteers all enveloped them in a comforting embrace.

Joe and Emily began their ritual. Walking hand in hand, down the row of kennels, they greeted each dog with a smile and a gentle word. Hoping to forge a connection that would tell them, this is the one. They met a sprightly border-colleying named Jasper, who could catch a frisbee midair with astonishing precision. His intelligence shone in his expressive eyes, but they worried if they could keep up with his limitless energy. Then there was Daisy, a fluffy and lovable golden retriever who melted their hearts with her affectionate nature, who they were seriously considering, except she was already spoken for. With each encounter, they oscillated between hope and doubt. They longed for a dog to call their own, yet their commitment to choosing the perfect match weighed heavily on them. And then, it happened. as they made their way toward the end of the row of kennels, they came upon trusty. A medium-sized, reddish gold mixed breed with expressive brown eyes that seemed to be rimmed in black eyeliner.

Unlike the other dogs who were wildly barking at their entrance to the room, trusty was sitting calmly upright in the center of his kennel, his tail wagging gently. He gazed at them with a mixture of curiosity and longing. Emily knelt down, her heart in her throat, and extended her hand toward trusty. His warm wet nose nuzzled her palm, and she felt an immediate connection. as if the universe had conspired to bring them together. Joe joined Emily at Trustee's Kennel, and they shared a silent understanding. Trusty had a way about him, an aura of serenity that transcended words. They could see it in his eyes, the way he responded to their touch, and the trusty bestowed upon them in that brief, magical moment. they spent time with trusty bestowed upon them in that brief, magical moment. As they spent time with trusty, they learned that he was a gentle soul who had faced his share of adversity in life. He either ran away or was abandoned as a pup and was found eating fast food out of a dumpster alleyway in the city of Margarita. He made his rounds throughout different public animal shelters in the area, growing ever more overweight at the sedentary shelter lifestyle and limitless amounts of kipple.

And yet, no one had adopted the approximately six-year-old dog,

possibly because of his large size and is discomfort around other dogs.

It had now been a couple years before he was transferred to their local Humane Society

shelter. Clearly however, trusty spirit remained unbroken and his enthusiasm was boundless. He wagged his tail, not just out of excitement, but as if to say, I'm ready to trust again. The couple took trusty out for a walk on leash outdoors with a staff volunteer. It was a walk they had taken countless times, over the tread-worn dirt paths outside the shelter. The volunteer told them to watch out for trusty who liked to chase after the little lizards trying to relax in the sun on the hot flat rocks around the path. Emily and Joe knew there were still practicalities to consider, so although they felt more certain than they had ever been, as they walked back in the building, they told the volunteer that they were going to sleep on it for the night, just to be certain. After accompanying the volunteer as she secured trusty back in his kennel, they walked back to the front desk and entrants with her. She chatted with them about the paperwork to complete when they were ready, and preparations to be made, if in the morning they called to say they would like to adopt trustee. As they were saying goodbye to the volunteer and about to leave, they noticed that the Rusty red dog with the black eyeliner eyes was in the lobby with them.

Lose. They noticed that the rusty red dog with the black eyeliner eyes was in the lobby with them, loose, and trotting calmly over to them again. Emily and Joe were confused and delighted. What was Trustee doing here? The volunteer seemed equally confused. She stammered and laughed. I have no idea. Trustee Boy, how did you get out? You were locked up. Trustee Nuzzle Joe's hand, and then leaned his body weight against Emily so deeply that she stumbled backward slightly as she laughed and kneeled down next to the dog. Hey there, I guess you made your preference for next steps very clear? The dog looked as if he was smiling as he caulked his head at her, and his eyes sparkled with mischief. They knew that trustee's determination to join them was a sign that they were meant to be together. As they completed the necessary paperwork and made arrangements to bring trusty home, they brimmed with anticipation. They could already imagine the hikes they would take with their new four-legged friend, and the dog beach they would now have a reason to become regulars at. all the formalities sorted, they leashed trusty, who had taken to them with a remarkable ease and made their way toward the exit of the shelter. The radiant afternoon sun painted a golden hue across the parking lot, casting long shadows that danced to the rhythm of their excited steps. Trustees' ears slopped back as they trotted through the rows of parked cars. With the help of the volunteers, trustee was safely secured in the back of the car, his escape and subsequent capture becoming the stuff of legend at the shelter. As they drove away from the shelter, Joe, Emily, and trusty shared a collective sigh of relief. The dog, though initially on alert from the exhilaration of his escape and adventure, had now settled down. His eyes a mix of contentment and trust. As the miles passed beneath the wheels of their car, Joe and Emily exchanged glances that spoke volumes. Now in alignment, the indecision of the past months fading into distant memory. Trustee had not only escaped magically from the kennel, he had captured their spirits in a way that was irrefutable. Their drive-home was one of a serene sense of completion. Trusty closed his eyes and let out contented sigh. It was as if he had always known that this was where he belonged. Upon arriving at their lavender painted bungalow, Joe and Emily wasted no time in introducing trusty to his new abode. His tail wagged with a renewed vigor as he explored the spacious backyard, sniffing the flowers, chasing butterflies, and basking in the California sun. In the evenings, they would curl up on the couch, trusting nestled comfortably between them. As they read books, watched movies, and told the stories of their day. In the afternoon, Joe would take work breaks to spend long sessions playing fetch with trusty, who seemed to never tire of running wildly for a ball and returning it.

Over time, the dog lost his shelter weight and became athletic and sleek. Though his muzzle started to show gray mixed with the fox red fur. As they lay in bed, one night, years later, trusty curled up at the foot of their bed, Jo and Emily looked at each other with gratitude for how they had found their way to this moment in their own slow but steady way. And as they snuggled in for sleep, they both knew that the story of Joe, Emily, and trusty was one of the becoming of family. Yn yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n yw'n y