18,358 animals. That’s how may pets the Santa Fe Animal Shelter helped last year. But that’s just a number – and an impressive one at that – whereas getting to know a face (and the fur) behind the uplifting stat can be more meaningful. So the organization has posted a video titled Lester’s Story.

Prepare to fall in love with Lester. The mixed breed (perhaps with some shepherd or Akita in him) pup arrived at the shelter frightened and traumatized. He hid at the back of his kennel and wouldn’t let anyone near him for days. Having had a chain wrapped tightly around his neck and showing noticeable fear of men, it’s suspected that this poor creature was abused or otherwise maltreated. In some cases, pups like Lester are euthanized because there is simply not enough time and resources to help. Thankfully, Lester was given the chance to heal.

“These days when I stand in my open door, I’m greeted by extreme tail wags and sloppy, wet-nosed kisses,” Lester’s adoptive mom describes in this three-minute video that shows the incredibly close bond that has been built between a formerly untrusting dog and his chosen protector. Four months of behavior training and care at the Santa Fe Animal Shelter has meant a new chance at life for this incredible pooch. And that means plenty of hikes and games of chase at sunset.