Forty

Forty has an unforgettable rescue story - but these days, she would much rather be known for her giant ears, big brain, and love of a good playdate.

About two years old, Forty is a beautiful shepherd mix who has been living in a foster home and has become a pretty wonderful house dog. She is fully housetrained, crate-trained, formally trained, incredibly smart, and good with other dogs. She regularly goes to doggie daycare, where she loves getting to play and spend time with her canine friends.

She is bright, engaged, and eager to learn—the kind of dog who genuinely enjoys using her brain and connecting with her people. Her formal training has given her a great foundation, and she would love a family who will continue giving her the structure, activity, and mental stimulation that help a smart shepherd thrive.

And then there is the sweet side of Forty. For a dog whose introduction to humans was so unfair, she has an extraordinary capacity to trust, connect, and enjoy life. She has settled beautifully into foster care and learned what it means to live in a home, have a routine, make friends, and be loved.

That makes the beginning of her story even harder to believe.

Forty came to Scout’s Honor Rescue after being saved by an Houston Police Dept. Tactical Team during a robbery standoff. The suspect had barricaded himself inside a trailer and was using Forty as a hostage, repeatedly choking and suspending her by a chain. Officers endured more than 30 agonizing minutes while they waited for an opportunity to intervene without putting Forty or others at greater risk.

When that opportunity finally came, they acted. They freed her.

And Forty immediately sought comfort from the people who had just saved her.

That moment tells you so much about this remarkable dog.

She experienced terrible cruelty, yet she emerged ready to trust. She didn't lose her curiosity, her affection for people, or her ability to enjoy other dogs. Today, instead of being chained, Forty gets to go to doggie daycare. Instead of wondering whether she is safe, she sleeps in a foster home. Instead of merely surviving, she gets to play.

There is just one piece missing: a family of her own.

At approximately two years old, Forty is past the tiny-puppy stage but still young enough to have a lifetime of adventures ahead of her. She would be a wonderful match for someone looking for an intelligent, active, trained companion, and having another friendly dog in her life could be a wonderful bonus for this social girl.

We don't want Forty to spend the rest of her life being known as the dog something terrible happened to.

We want her to be someone's hiking buddy. Someone's couch companion. The dog waiting at the door when they come home. The ridiculously smart girl who knows exactly where the treats are kept. The daycare regular with her favorite friends. The dog whose enormous ears make strangers stop and smile.

Forty has already been rescued. Now she needs to be chosen.

Her past is remarkable. Her future should be even better.