👋 Happy Thursday! Time for your weekly slice of joy in today’s Cause for Paws update!

Last week, we asked which command or trick you’d most like to teach your dog, and the most voted answer was a tie between:

Leave it and come.

Last week’s training video revealed a new approach to teach your dog to drop, or leave things.

And this week, we’ve got a great video to help you train your dog to come to you on command.

First, for this week’s poll, we’d love to know:

Cast your vote to share your favorite way to bond with your rescue dog!

In today’s Cause for Paws:

• 🧣 How a donated bandana led to Ella’s fateful adoption

• 🧠 Teach your dog to come to you – no matter what!

• 🇺🇲 50 State Rescue Challenge: Utah Edition

• 🐾 Paw Profiles – 3 rescues ready for a new home

🧣 A fateful bandana leads to Ella’s adoption after 7 years 🐕

After 7 long years awaiting adoption at Pennsylvania's Animal Resource Center, a sweet pit bull named Ella has finally found her forever home.

In a twist of fate, she was united with her new owner through a donated bandana that once belonged to the woman's late pet dog!

Ella first arrived at the shelter as a stray puppy back in 2016.

Despite constant efforts by staff to help her find an adopter, this loving dog was always returned shortly after each adoption for reasons like families moving away.

Over time, Ella's repeated failed adoptions left her "dealing with trust issues and fear," the shelter posted.

But they knew this loyal companion deserved a stable home where she could truly thrive.

So when local resident Kaitlyn, whose own dog had recently passed away, emailed the shelter about potentially adopting Ella, the timing was remarkably serendipitous.

The two met for the first time at the shelter, and bonded instantly.

According to staff member Tori Johnson, "Ella is a dog that has fear-aggression and needs multiple visits for her to get comfortable with you — not with Kaitlyn."

Ella gently approached Kaitlyn, allowing the woman to pet her and give scratches, despite normally being shy with strangers.

That's when Kaitlyn began to cry, fixated on the bandana around Ella's neck.

As she told the shocked staff, that very bandana had belonged to her late dog Jo, and she had "donated them all here when he passed."

Out of all the dogs and accessories in the shelter, Ella had ended up wearing the cherished bandana from Kaitlyn's deceased pet.

It was as if Jo had lovingly led his owner to his perfect successor.

In Johnson's words, "Kaitlyn said it best by saying, ‘I like to think of it as Jo’s stamp of approval, knowing it was meant to be.'"

Ella clearly sensed the connection too, leaving the shelter for her forever home with Kaitlyn later that very day.

Shelter staff who knew Ella best were overjoyed to finally see her adopted into the stable forever home she had waited so long for.

And thanks to Jo's bandana donation, Ella and Kaitlyn discovered each other at the perfect time.

To celebrate their unlikely union, we’d like to encourage you or someone you know to adopt a rescue.

It could have a huge positive impact on their life, and yours!

🧠 Top Training Tip of the Week — “Come” on Command

This week's essential training skill?

Teaching your dog to come to you, no matter what!

Mastering the "come" command is crucial for both safety and obedience…

Yey many dog owners struggle when their pups get distracted or are too excited to follow this command.

Enter: Beckman's Dog Training!

In their fantastic video training tutorial, you'll learn the art of teaching your dog to come to you under any circumstance.

This skill is not only essential for their safety, but also strengthens your bond and trust with them.

Ready to transform your dog's recall skills?

Click here to see how to teach your dog to come to you — no matter what!

🇺🇲 The 50 State Rescue Challenge: Utah Edition

At Cause for Paws, we’re on a mission:

Get a pet adopted in every state.

Every week, we cover a different state, and share resources on how you can help adopt in your own state.

This week, we're heading to the Beehive State — Utah! 🐝

In the heart of majestic canyons lies the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, a nurturing home to over 1,600 animals.

This non-profit sanctuary leads the way in the no-kill movement, with a goal to make the entire nation no-kill by 2025!

They’re the largest no-kill sanctuary of its kind in the U.S., and a model for the future of animal welfare.

Located in breathtaking red-rock canyons under blue skies, it's a perfect place for animals to find healing and love.

And not just dogs — Best Friends Animal Sanctuary houses dogs, cats, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and other animals. 🤯

If you're near or passing through southern Utah, consider taking a tour or volunteering at their sanctuary!

Check out the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary here to see how you can contribute.

P.S. Not in Utah? No problem!

Click here to find adoptable pets in all U.S. states!

🐾 Paw Profiles: 3 Utah rescues ready for adoption

There are some wonderful dogs awaiting their forever homes at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah.

Could you be the forever friend to one of these pups?

Moon

Meet Moon, a stunningly beautiful American Bulldog mix. With her elegant white and black coat, this lady is capturing hearts!

Born in 2012, Moon is seeking a loving family where she can relax and enjoy her days in a comforting home. 🐾🌙

Nacho

Say hello to Nacho, a delightful male Cattle Dog mix. With his charming tan and white fur, he's a recent arrival at the Sanctuary and is just beginning his journey to find a forever home.

Nacho's story is still being written, and he's eager to start a new chapter with a loving family. 🐾🧀

Toots

Introducing Toots, a female Husky mix known for her striking tan and white fur. Born on November 4, 2020, she's a large-sized bundle of joy who has recently joined the Sanctuary.

Toots is looking forward to finding a family that will love and cherish her unique spirit. 🐾❄️

Are you the right fit for one of these adorable canines?

Visit Best Friends Animal Sanctuary's website to learn more about Moon, Nacho, Salsa, and other dogs waiting for their forever homes!

For sponsorship and paid media inquiries, email: [email protected]

👋 Take care, Cause for Paws crew! See you next week for more stories, training tips, and rescues!