For one Calgary family, their search for the perfect dog led them to a life-changing bond with a three-year-old Dogo Argentina named Titus."I’ve always loved big dogs," Geoffrey shared. "Our last dog was a black Cane Corso. He was with us for eight wonderful years until we lost him. My son, who was the same age as that dog when we first brought him home, is now 16—and it was him who wanted another dog this time."Initially, the family looked through private sellers, but his wife suggested they check out the City of Calgary Animal Services instead. That suggestion led to their first appointment, where they met Titus.Titus had been waiting at the shelter for several months to find a family, so the staff were thrilled when Geoffrey showed up to meet him. “We fell in love with him right away,” he said. "The staff at the Animal Services Centre told us that Titus could be nervous around men, but we were surprised because he warmed up to us immediately.”Settling into Family LifeTitus has brought a lot of joy to his new home, even as the family works on some challenges. "He still acts like a puppy sometimes," the father explained. "We’re working on his leash walking because he’s scared of cars, which can be tricky. But he’s settling in. We’ve even created a way to ease his anxiety around cars—we leave treats on our car's bumper so he can enjoy them when we get back from walks, and that’s helped."The family – familiar with big breeds, knew that Titus would require lots of exercise, but that wasn’t a problem. “We’re very active. We take Titus on three walks a day, and he loves every minute of it.”At home, Titus has become an emotional anchor as well, especially for the mother, who works from home most days. "He can sense when she’s stressed and will comfort her—he’s so in tune with us."Even the youngest son, who wasn’t initially an animal lover, has fallen for Titus. "It’s amazing to see how much Titus has brought us all together."A New Start for a StrayAs a former stray, Titus’ story is one of transformation. Now, he has a family who adores him and a home filled with love and activity. For the family, adopting Titus was the "greatest Christmas gift" they could imagine.“Titus has completed our family,” the father said with a smile. "He’s a big dog with an even bigger heart. We can’t imagine life without him."This story is a testament to the life-changing impact of adoption—and a reminder that sometimes, the perfect addition to your family is waiting for you at a shelter.To view adoptable animals at the Animal Services Centre, visit our website: calgary.ca/pets/adoption.html.