Who’s Bucky
Bucky’s Journey: From Street Dog to Sports Star
At CoolWag, we believe every dog deserves a chance to be understood, to be seen, and to thrive. Bucky is one of those dogs who reminded us just how transformative patience and purpose can be.
His story isn’t just about overcoming fear, it’s about finding connection, discovering joy, and learning to trust again.
A Rough Start: Bucky Enters Our Lives
In the fall of 2023, Bucky arrived at our rescue through our growing partnership with Bentonville Animal Services. At first glance, he was intimidating, a strong, muscular dog with a wild, anxious energy. But underneath that exterior was a dog who had clearly experienced fear, neglect, and confusion.
He had been picked up running the streets, underweight, unapproachable, and terrified of just about everything. People couldn’t get closer than 30 feet without him bolting. Doors, kennels, homes, cars…they all overwhelmed him. He wouldn’t enter a building, let alone allow a leash or collar.
While Bucky needed basic obedience, what he needed most was to feel safe.
The First Step: Outdoor Rehab
We started working with Bucky at our CoolWag facility, but his indoor anxiety was too severe. So we got creative.
He was moved to a quiet home environment, but he still panicked indoors, urinating in fear, destroying doors, and trying to escape. Eventually, we pivoted to letting him live outdoors. We converted a large shed into a cozy doghouse and built a secure yard where he could roam safely. Every day, we visited to bring him food, talk softly, and simply exist in his world.
Progress was slow. He remained distant. But we kept showing up.
The Breakthrough: A Game of Fetch
Then came a breakthrough. We tossed a ball into the yard, not expecting much. But Bucky chased it. He ran in excited circles. He didn’t bring it back, but he was engaged, for the first time.
We built on that. Day by day, he got closer. Eventually, he dropped the ball 30 feet from us. Then 10. Then, finally, he placed it at our feet.
And then came the next lesson: if he didn’t place it in our hands, the game wouldn’t continue. Within days, Bucky was gently delivering the ball right into our palms. Fetch had become more than play, it was the beginning of trust.
Enter Biggz: A Friend Changes Everything
Around this time, Biggz, a well-socialized standard poodle owned by Kelsey from Crystal sPAWs, entered the picture. When Biggz came to stay with Heather, one of our trainers at All Paws Training, we introduced her to Bucky.
He lit up.
It turned out Bucky loved other dogs. He wasn’t fearful with them, he was joyful. Biggz and Bucky became inseparable during outdoor playtime. Every visit turned into a joyful blur of zoomies and games.
Then, something unexpected happened….
The Accidental First Step Indoors
One day, Heather left the door open as she prepped food. Biggz trotted inside, as usual, and Bucky, without thinking, followed her. He paused in the middle of the living room, suddenly realizing where he was. Frozen in fear, he urinated and bolted right back outside.
But that brief moment gave Heather an idea.
Training Through Friendship
If Bucky loved Biggz so much, maybe we could use that bond to help him conquer his fear of indoor spaces. So Heather placed Biggz in a “stay” just inside the house. If Bucky wanted to play, he had to come get her.
It worked.
At first, he hovered at the door. Then he poked his head in. A few days later, both front paws landed on the living room floor. When he barked, Heather released Biggz, and the reward was instant: playtime.
Heather began visiting three times a day. Within 10 days, Bucky was confidently walking into the house, eating meals inside, and playing like he’d lived there his whole life.
Return to CoolWag: The Real Test
With Bucky now comfortable indoors and around people he knew, we reintroduced him to CoolWag. This time, he adapted quickly. Surrounded by familiar smells, friendly dogs, and a calm, experienced team, Bucky began to thrive.
In fact, he went far beyond just adapting, he became a helper.
Bucky started greeting new dogs, especially the shy or overly excited ones. He served as a steadying presence, never pushy, always calm. He became the perfect “first friend” for newcomers, setting the tone for safety and fun. It didn’t take long before we knew: CoolWag wasn’t just a stepping stone for Bucky.
It was his forever home.
Officially One of the Pack
After going back to the shelter a few times to meet potential adopters (and being deeply missed each time), we made it official, CoolWag adopted Bucky.
He wasn’t just another rescue. He was now part of the staff.
Sport Dog in Training: Bucky’s Next Chapter
Bucky’s journey didn’t stop with being adopted. Jacob, manager at All Paws Training, began working with him on more advanced skills. He taught Bucky how to walk confidently on a leash, greet people, and even enjoy outings in public.
Soon, Bucky was walking proudly in the Bentonville Christmas Parade, accepting pets from kids and calmly interacting with strangers, a dog that once couldn’t enter a house was now parading through crowds with confidence.
Jacob then introduced him to dock diving through North American Diving Dogs (NADD) competitions. At first, Bucky didn’t even know how to swim. Within months, he was competing in all three NADD disciplines.
He had become a true sports dog, and a symbol of transformation.
Why Bucky’s Story Matters
If your dog has ever been new to CoolWag and left feeling more confident, there’s a good chance Bucky had something to do with it. Whether it was a friendly play session, a calming energy, or a soft nudge in the right direction, Bucky has helped dozens of dogs feel at ease.
His journey, from terrified stray to trusted staff member, to dock diving competitor, reminds us what’s possible with love, consistency, and the right environment.
Want Your Dog to Start Their Own Journey?
Whether your dog needs basic training, behavior support, or a chance to thrive in a social setting, we’re here to help. Just like Bucky, every dog has potential waiting to be unlocked.