Some dogs just need a little extra time, patience, and understanding to truly shine—and Lainey was one of those dogs.
When she first came into our care at Da Vinci’s Dream, Lainey was found as a stray in a barn alongside her sister. She was borderline feral and completely terrified of the world around her. Human interaction was unfamiliar, and everything felt overwhelming.
But even then, there was something special about her.
In her foster home, Lainey began the slow and gentle process of learning what it meant to feel safe.
Her foster worked with her consistently, giving her the space and patience she needed. While progress took time, she slowly started to come out of her shell.
Even so, Lainey was still very scared when the time came for adoption.
And that’s exactly why finding the right home mattered so much.
Lainey’s forever home came in the form of a very special family—Dana, Evan, and their daughter—who were already part of the Da Vinci’s Dream family.
They had previously adopted another shy dog from us and truly understood what it takes to help a fearful dog adjust and thrive. When they applied for Lainey, we knew immediately they would be the perfect match.
This is what thoughtful placement is all about.
With Dana working from home most days, Lainey would have consistent companionship, structure, and reassurance as she adjusted. Their fenced yard and calm, stable environment created the ideal setting for her to feel safe.
Lainey didn’t just gain a family—she gained a support system.
She joined two canine siblings:
Maeby, their sweet senior dog Leica (formerly Spice), another Da Vinci’s Dream alumHer new family believed that their dogs would help guide and socialize her—and they were right.
Homes like this, with patience, experience, and heart, are where dogs like Lainey truly begin to blossom.
Now lovingly renamed Falkor, this once-terrified girl is already showing her true personality.
Her adopters shared that Leica played a huge role in helping Falkor settle in—encouraging her to come out of her crate on her very first night home.
Since then, Falkor has been:
They describe her as:
“Super sweet, full of puppy energy, a big attention hog, and guaranteed to make us laugh every day.”
Even more special, Falkor’s presence has helped Leica open up and become more playful too.
Falkor’s journey is a beautiful example of what can happen when the right dog meets the right family.
She went from a terrified stray, unsure of the world, to a happy, loved companion in a home that truly understands her.
For those searching for Da Vinci’s Dream reviews or wondering what it’s like to adopt a shy or fearful dog, Falkor’s story shows the impact of patience, experience, and thoughtful matching.
Watching families return to rescue again and again—and open their hearts to dogs who need a little extra—is one of the greatest joys of what we do.
Falkor is exactly where she was always meant to be. 
