December 28, 2025
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director
Last week at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, shelter dog Lars did something many of us quietly wondered if he ever would: He went home.
After spending five years in the care of the shelter and with his trainer, Kara Dixon, Lars was adopted just before Christmas; the final adoption before the shelter closed for the holiday.
Staff lined up just outside of the Adoption Center as he walked out the door with his new family dressed in matching shirts made just for the occasion, stopping to say goodbye to familiar faces along the way, smiling and tail wagging, taking it all in like he truly understood the special significance of the moment.
Lars’ journey was not a typical one. While the average length of stay for dogs at the SPCA Albrecht Center is currently just 26 days, Lars’ path stretched across years. Not because he was a “bad dog” or unwanted. Not because he lacked potential. But because Lars needed something very specific: the right people, the right structure, and the right understanding of who he truly is.
Lars is strong, athletic, energetic, confident, and full of personality. He loves tug-of-war, outdoor adventures, and exploring new places. He’s affectionate with the people he trusts and has a goofy, playful side that surprises everyone once they get to know him. But Lars also came to the shelter carrying the weight of his past.
When Lars arrived, scarring around his neck suggested he had likely been kept on an outdoor chain or runner for long periods of time. That kind of prolonged restraint, combined with a lack of enrichment and structure, can intensify a dog’s prey drive and leave them unsure how to exist calmly in the world. It was clear that he had never learned consistent boundaries, routines, or how to self-soothe. His nervous system was always on high alert.
Over time, the shelter environment itself became part of the challenge. With constant stimulation, limited outlets for his energy, and few opportunities for deep decompression, Lars became a dog who was difficult for most staff and volunteers to handle. He was jumpy, mouthy when excited, and overwhelmed easily. Eventually, only designated handlers could work with him, and he could not participate in dog playgroups. It was not a failure on his part. It was a sign that he needed something different.
That turning point came when Lars entered a specialized board-and-train program with canine behaviorist Kara Dixon. What followed was months of patient, individualized work focused not just on obedience, but on regulation, routine, and trust.
Lars learned leash manners, impulse control, and household skills. He became house and kennel trained, comfortable relaxing in place, and was muzzle conditioned in a way that gave him confidence and freedom, not fear. Most importantly, he learned how to live with structure.
“Lars pushed me to become a better trainer,” Kara shared. “He taught me so much about dogs with prolonged stress histories. Underneath everything was this curious, goofy, adventurous dog. He just needed someone willing to meet him where he was.”
That someone turned out to be Kendra Thompson-Royal, along with her husband, Robin.
After meeting Lars and seeing his big smile, they knew he would be a good fit. “We knew we could give him the forever home he deserved,” Kendra said. During a foster period with the family, Lars tested boundaries as expected, but consistency made all the difference. “Once he saw we were consistent, he became more obedient. He’s smart, playful, a great couch snuggler, and an excellent ‘dog model’ thanks to the SPCA’s pet photographer, Ms. Karen.”
On adoption day, emotions ran high. “We were happy to give him a life outside the shelter, but sad to take him away from the people who cared for him for so long,” Kendra shared. “We are so thankful for the staff at the SPCA Albrecht Center, especially Kara.”
Kara added “Lars has been one of the most rewarding dogs I’ve ever trained. I’m so happy and relieved that he finally found humans that understand him and see him for the loving, goofy guy he is. They couldn’t be more perfect for him.”
Shelter Manager, Allison LaBorde said “We are all so happy for Lars. Of course we will miss him, but our tears are those of joy because our goal is for everyone to find their family.”
Lars’ adoption is worth celebrating not just because it finally happened, but because it reminds us why patience, commitment and dedication to these pets matters, and that hope doesn’t have an expiration date.🐾
————————————————————————————
Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and several beloved cats.
Leave A Comment