Kenobi: The Force Behind Human-Animal Bonds

One way or another, our beloved pets paw their way into our hearts, becoming staple members of our family and changing our lives forever. The bond that blossoms between a pet and their favorite humans can spark from a simple interaction right here at the Cheyenne Animal Shelter.

*Kenobi on the front steps he was once afraid of!*

Cami and Jeff Boyce came to the Shelter back in May to bring home a new fluffy family member. “My husband is allergic to animals in general,” Cami explains, “but I had been begging him to get one regardless. We had met a couple of dogs who seemed like perfect fits, but it wasn’t the right time just yet.” Soon enough, Cami and Jeff met a 1-year-old American Blue Heeler mix, by the name of Simba.

Simba had been surrendered to the Shelter three weeks before, patiently waiting on the adoption floor for someone to give him the loving home he deserved. Simba was known at the Shelter for being an absolute love bug, cuddling with anyone who would accept his little wet kisses. His sweet, gentle nature was undeniable and, after visiting Simba a second time, Cami and Jeff knew it was a match. Now known as Kenobi (in honor of Jeff’s love for Star Wars), this pup was ready to head out of the Shelter and into his new furever home!

“Bringing him home, we had to carry Kenobi up 18 steps because he was terrified of going up them. He’d go down, but wouldn’t go up! After a few days of my husband carrying Kenobi up those stairs, he eventually overcame his fear.” Despite Kenobi’s frightful battle with the front steps, he was quick to settle into his new home and routine.

Being the only dog in the home, Kenobi is well-integrated into the Boyce family routine. He even has his own nighttime routine! “Between 8-9 PM every night, Kenobi gets the zoomies,” says Cami. “It’s like clockwork. He basically starts in the bedroom and makes his way through every single room, sometimes stealing stuffed animals from the kids along the way!” After his daily zoomies though, Kenobi makes sure that everyone is ready for bed, including the kiddos. “Kenobi does amazing with the kids. He sits by the bed and tucks the kids in when we do, making sure they’re settled for the night.”

Kenobi’s impact on the Boyce family extends well beyond just their nighttime routine. Cami began volunteering at the Shelter back in August of 2023, supporting our Animal Care team with dog walking, kennel cleaning, and more. With a deep love and passion for helping animals, Cami knew the Shelter was exactly where she wanted to be. “I love animals and always have,” Cami explains. “I’ve always had dogs and it’s always been my passion so I started volunteering and realized it’s what I wanted to do. I talked to the team, filled out an application, and that’s where it all started.” After only a week of volunteering, Cami joined the Shelter team as an Animal Care Specialist.

“My husband [Jeff] was never a dog person, but this is his best friend. They have developed this unbreakable bond. Kenobi has bettered our life as much as we have bettered his.” Bonds like this are the reason why the Cheyenne Animal Shelter is here; to be the initial spark in a bond that changes the life of both pets and people. The Shelter is able to continue creating these bonds with the help of incredible pet owners like Cami and Jeff and the support of our community. You can be the spark that unleashes the love by donating to the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, where your contribution provides second chances and unconditional love to pets just like Kenobi.

Visit cheyenneanimalshelter.org/donate to make a difference today!