Meet Vardis, a rescued dog who is now 3 years old and has spent almost half of his life moving about between different homes and shelters.

Vardis spent most of his life by himself, but all of that changed not too long ago when he ran across someone he’d known since the day he was born and was able to quickly recall her face. Since then, he’s been surrounded by people.

When Vardis showed up at One Tail At A Time (OTAT) in the year 2021, his saviors didn’t know anything lot about his history. The shelter in Chicago was aware that Chicago Animal Care and Control had taken him in as a young puppy during the summer in question; however, they were unaware of how he came to be at the facility or whether or not he was accompanied by someone.

The only thing that OTAT was absolutely sure of was the fact that the puppy was suffering from a severe case of pneumonia. Due to the gravity of the situation, the team quickly responded in order to provide Vardis with the necessary medical attention. He eventually made a complete recovery and won the hearts of everyone who cared for him throughout his time in the hospital.

Vardis was able to meet his first foster mother, Lynsey, as soon as he was well enough to enter the foster care system. Vardis gained the necessary mental stimulation that his young, active mind required via his time spent with Lynsey. He discovered what it felt like to go to sleep in a warm and welcoming environment. In exchange, Lynsey gained a better understanding of Vardis’ character and quickly developed an interest in the breed of his dog.

When Lynsey sent Vardis’ DNA through Embark’s Breed+ Health testing, she was somewhat aback by the results, which revealed that the dog she had always thought to be mostly a black Lab was, in reality, a mix of golden retriever and American bulldog, with a ratio of 50 to 45. This information was relayed by her to Jessica Jones, Vardis’ second foster mother, who eventually took the little girl in as a permanent resident of her house later that same year.

The findings of Vardis’ DNA test initially had little impact on his day-to-day activities. While he was under Jones’ care, he maintained his previous pattern of traveling the globe and befriending people he met along the way.

According to what Jones said in an interview with The Dodo, “I prefer to refer to him as an extrovert who likes to meet neighbors and say hey to his buddies.” “Whenever he makes a new buddy, he keeps in touch with them for the rest of his life! When he runs into them again, he will be insistent on greeting them and receiving a few scratches or a belly massage.

Then, one day, Lynsey, who had been Vardis’ first foster parent, received an email from someone who had given their dog the same DNA test as Vardis. They were able to determine that their dog, Brunch, was a Genetic match for Vardis by using the related finding option that Embark provides. Both of the canines had originated from the Chicago Animal Care and Control, and it seemed that they were the same age. Vardis was ecstatic to reunite with his long-lost sister finally.

Lynsey sent Jones their contact information, and Jones did not waste any time setting up a playdate. At first, Jones was unsure about how Vardis would respond when he saw his littermate for the second time.

“I was a little nervous in the lead up to the meeting because Brunch’s family had indicated that Brunch can be a little selective when meeting new dogs, and Vardis also has had mixed experiences with meeting other dogs,” Jones said. “I was nervous because Brunch’s family indicated that Brunch can be a little selective when meeting new dogs.” “Vardis tends to come on a bit strong, which is something that other dogs don’t necessarily find appealing,”

Nevertheless, as soon as Brunch and Vardis looked at one other, she realized that she didn’t need to be concerned anymore.

Jones said that it was “so much delight to witness Vardis and Brunch reconcile,” and Brunch agreed. “From from the beginning, they seemed to have no trouble adjusting to one another!”

The two became fast friends and seemed to start up precisely where they had left off in their previous interactions. They began their playdate in the front yard with sniffs and tail wags, but they went swiftly to the back yard, where they could truly let loose and run about.

Jones noted that both players have extremely similar playing techniques. Both of them like bumping their playmate with their butt in an effort to “herd” them to the location that they have in mind.

After finishing their favorite snack together — a cheese stick — the two siblings gave each other a last hug and kiss before going their separate ways. They have not yet gotten together for another playdate, but Jones and Brunch’s parents are looking forward to setting up another one for them in the near future.

As Vardis is patiently waiting for his next playdate with Brunch, he is continuing his search for the ideal place to call home permanently. Since Vardis would do better as an only child, neither Jones’s nor Brunch’s family is the greatest choice for him. He would do best in a home where he is the only kid.

“Vardis adores other canines, but I think it would be ideal for him to be an only pet in a home with a lot of canine buddies,” said Jones. “Vardis is seeking a loving home with somebody to snuggle and play with,” said the adoption counselor.

Vardis can’t help but feel impatient as he awaits the arrival of his ideal forever family. Up until then, he’s going to spend his time curled up close to his foster family and drinking in as much affection as he can get his hands on.

According to Jones, “He is the most lovable and cuddly 70-pound lap dog you could ever want to find.” “He truly is the most amazing young man!”