From a Scroll to a Second Chance

How Rio Found His Way to a New Home Thanks to Petfinder & Joybound

Sometimes the right dog doesn’t just change your life, he finds you exactly when you need him most.

For Kate and her husband, that moment began with a scroll through Petfinder.

After recently losing their beloved 14-year-old dog, Cheeno, a black Mini Pinscher mix, grief had quietly taken center stage. The two were looking through Petfinder when they came across Rio who was also a black Mini Pinscher mix just like their Cheeno. “I like to think of it as we were actively searching for a dog to rescue me,” Kate shared.

Kate and her family were committed to meet little Rio! They made the 70-mile drive from Patterson to Joybound People & Pets in Walnut Creek to meet him. Kate says the timing wasn’t quite right; Rio wasn’t feeling well that day and wasn’t up for a meet-and-greet. But something about him stuck. So, the very next weekend, the family packed into their car for another road trip to Walnut Creek.

This time, it was instant.

From the moment they met him, they knew Rio fit the job description perfectly.

On June 13, 2025, Rio officially joined the family and quickly made himself at home alongside their other dogs Macho Nacho and Monkii. Kate says Rio is a champion snuggler and loyal walking buddy. “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,” Kate explained in an email to Joybound.

Most of all, Rio brought lightness back into their home.

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

Joybound is proud to partner with Petfinder and Purina, helping to connect dogs like Rio with their new pet families.