Adopting a pet is one of the happiest days in the lives of many dogs and their new owners. It is a time of new things as both dog and owner adjust to each other’s lifestyles, likes, and needs.

Hopefully, it is the start of a lifelong relationship. Sometimes that can be difficult, as Lewis Jimenez found out.

Adopting a puppy

When Jimenez decided to adopt a dog, he went to the Austin Animal Shelter. And while he looked at various dogs, he settled on one, in particular, 8-month-old Titus.

A pit bull, Titus had the stigma of his breed working against him, but Jimenez was willing to look past that and took him home.

Trouble with the neighbors

Soon after arriving back at the apartment complex where he lived, Jimenez immediately encountered problems with the neighbors over his choice of dogs.

One, in particular, complained to the landlord repeatedly about Titus.

Still, Titus lived with Jimenez for four years.

This was because Jimenez did everything, he could to make his neighbors feel safe with Titus living at the complex. But some people just seem to hold a grudge no matter what you do.

Everything comes to a head

Jimenez had even been waking up at 4 a.m. to walk Titus so that the neighbors wouldn’t have to encounter him. But when his 10-year-old grandson took Titus for a walk one day, the troublesome neighbor was ready to make trouble.

The neighbor claimed that Titus lunged at him and nipped his finger.

With no way to prove otherwise, Jimenez decided to take Titus back to the shelter for the time being, at least until he could figure out what to do.

Fortunately, the Austin Animal Shelter hardly ever euthanized the animals there, so Jimenez figured Titus would be safe until he found a solution to their problem.

Making a promise

Jimenez made it a point to check in at the shelter often to make sure that Titus was okay.

He promised Titus he would return for him as soon as possible.

Then, after four months, Jimenez was able to find other housing within his price range.

Jimenez found a house where he could make his own rules about Titus.

“Titus got lots of love here at the shelter from staff and volunteers. He went on regular walks, played with toys, and got lots of treats. News of Titus’ reunion spread through the shelter pretty quickly and there were tears from everyone,” The Austin Animal Shelter said in a Facebook post.

Finally, the two are reunited.

After almost half a year, Jimenez and Titus were once again back together.

Now, the two can spend the rest of their days together, free of the judgment of others, at least while they are in their own home.

“Animals are our family,” Jimenez told TODAY. “He’s home. He’s home, and he’s happy.”

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Sources: Facebook – Austin Animal Center, TODAY