Brady Oliveira is recognized not only for his exceptional talents on the soccer field but also for his deep commitment to animal rescue.
Teaming up with a local rescue organization, Brady has managed to save thousands of dogs, providing them a new lease on life.
During one of his rescue missions, Brady discovered a litter of puppies sheltered beneath a couch in the dead of winter. It was bitterly cold, and he realized he couldn’t leave them behind.
Rescuing The Little Family
Upon exiting the vehicle, a swarm of tiny furry puppies rushed towards him, followed closely by their mother.
“We knocked on the door, but sadly, they were completely uncooperative. According to the Animal Control Act, if a person isn’t caring for their animals, authorities have the right to intervene and remove the pets,” Brady shared with The Dodo.
Brady could not permit these puppies to endure the harsh winter; their survival was uncertain.
Consequently, he took all of the puppies and placed them in his vehicle.
Nonetheless, the last remaining chocolate puppy from the family wasn’t emerging from beneath the couch.
It took nearly thirty minutes of effort to coax her out, but ultimately, they managed to pack the entire family into the kennel.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about this chocolate puppy, so I took her and showered her with affection during the entire journey back,” Brady recounted.
They secured temporary homes for the entire family, but since Brady couldn’t shake thoughts of the chocolate puppy, he made the choice to foster her.
“I kept mulling it over and finally decided, ‘You know what? Yes. I’ll bring her home. I’ll foster her, and once I feel she’s ready, I’ll find her the ideal forever home’,” Brady shared.
Life In The Oliveira Household
When she first arrived at his home, the little chocolate puppy – now referred to as Hazel – was so terrified that she remained completely still.
Having never been inside a house or close to any humans before, everything was an entirely new experience for her.
After a satisfying meal, a nice bath, and some gradual exposure, Hazel began to behave like a genuine puppy.
She started wagging her tail, engaging in play with Brady’s dogs, and interacting with other people. Wherever Brady went, Hazel kept him company.
After two months under Brady’s care, Hazel was at last prepared to move to her permanent home.
It wasn’t long before she got adopted…
Actually, she remained within the family.
However, it wasn’t Brady who adopted her – it was his sister, Kallee Oliveira.
“Since rescuing and fostering Hazel for more than two months, I’ve observed her developing a strong attachment to my sister. The connection and affection they’ve created together has been a joy to witness,” Brady expressed on his Instagram.
He is now able to be the best uncle to Hazel, enjoying her company throughout her life. Hazel has officially become a member of the Oliveira family.
For Hazel, she’s likely the happiest to have the opportunity to frolic with her cousins, Nellie & Gunnar, who are truly her closest pals.
Check out Hazel’s rescue tale, transitioning from living under an old couch to embracing a loving new family: