After weeks of rain, Saturday afternoon brought something we had all been craving: sunshine, blue skies, and a reason to gather at Lagos Marina.
The occasion was Barão’s adoption celebration — and what a celebration it was.
Barão had been in foster with Adam and Shannon, who recently began an exciting new chapter of their own, taking on the Marina Boat Charters Café. Like so many foster families, they started with a clear plan: offer temporary care, help a dog on his journey, and eventually wave him off to his forever home.
They failed. They failed gloriously.
Because somewhere between the walks, feeding times, quiet companionship and everyday routines, they fell completely in love. Instead of saying goodbye, they signed the adoption papers.
“Failed fostering” is something we often speak about in animal rescue — always with a smile. It happens when fostering works exactly as it should: when a dog settles, learns to trust, builds confidence and becomes part of the family. Yes, it means we don’t regain that foster space. But it also means one more dog is home.
Barão will now be a permanent, four-legged presence at the marina, greeting visitors and settling into café life as Adam and Shannon continue to grow their new venture by the water. We suspect he will take his supervisory role very seriously — particularly with testing the homemade crumpets.
What made the afternoon especially meaningful was seeing our shelter volunteers able to pause and enjoy it. Much of rescue work happens behind the scenes — early mornings, cleaning kennels, vet visits, fundraising efforts all in rain and shine. To spend a sunny Saturday together by the water, celebrating adoption and community support, felt like a reward in itself.
We are deeply grateful to Adam and Shannon for opening not just their home, but their hearts. And thank you to everyone who came along, offered encouragement, and continues to stand beside rescue dogs in our community.
While Barão has found his place, many dogs are still waiting for someone to choose them. Fostering truly does save lives. It creates space, builds confidence, and gives dogs the steppingstone they need toward permanent homes.
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See video of Barão’s adoption below.
