From a Scroll to a Second Chance

How Petfinder & Joybound Helped Rio Find His Way Home

“I like to think of it as if we were actively searching for a dog to rescue me.”

Sometimes the right dog doesn’t just change your life. He finds you exactly when you need him most. For many families, adoption begins during a moment of transition, when a home feels a little quieter than it used to. That was true for Kate and her family, who were navigating the loss of a longtime companion while deciding if they were ready to welcome another dog.

For them, that moment began with a quiet scroll through Petfinder. After recently losing their beloved 14-year-old dog, Cheeno, a black Mini Pinscher mix, grief had settled heavily into their home. While browsing, they came across Rio, another black Mini Pinscher mix who felt instantly familiar. “I like to think of it as if we were actively searching for a dog to rescue me,” Kate shared.

Determined to meet him, the family made the 70-mile drive from Patterson to Joybound People & Pets in Walnut Creek. The timing, however, wasn’t quite right. Rio wasn’t feeling well and wasn’t up for a meet-and-greet. Still, something about him lingered. The very next weekend, they packed up and made the drive again.

This time, it was instant.

On June 13, 2025, Rio officially joined the family and quickly made himself at home alongside canine siblings Macho, Nacho, and Monkii. Kate describes Rio as a champion snuggler, loyal walking buddy, and playful spark. Kate tells us that “Rio also has a playful side that keeps the household buzzing. He constantly encourages our family’s other two dogs to play and brings an extra dose of joy with his funny little noises, almost like he’s trying to talk.”

Joybound is proud to partner with Petfinder to help dogs like Rio find the families who need them most.

“He brought a lot more fun into the house,” Kate said. Sometimes, that’s exactly what healing looks like.

Note: This article was featured in Joybound’s Spring 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!