Some rescue stories feel like they were meant to be. The journey of Bergen, now known as RVCA, from floodwaters in West Virginia to life with a pair of first responders is one of those uplifting dog adoption stories that shows how disaster response can change lives in unexpected ways.

Before RVCA ever set a paw in his new home, firefighters and paramedics Delaney and Amber had already begun thinking about a new four-legged family member. Their 10-year-old French Bulldog, Ren, could no longer keep up with their energetic 6-year-old pit bull, Remy. The couple wanted to find an active companion who could match Remy’s energy and help keep her playful and engaged. While they were still searching, Amber came across a photo online that changed everything. Scrolling through Facebook, she spotted a picture of a puppy named Bergen who was being cared for at the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center in Columbus, Ohio. She recalls instantly falling in love with the image. Delaney remembers that they submitted an adoption application almost immediately after seeing him.

ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center

Bergen’s path to that Facebook post began in late February 2025, when West Virginia was hit by historic rainfall and severe flooding. The flooding created a crisis for people and animals alike. The Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (KCHA), a local shelter, requested help from the ASPCA to move animals out of harm’s way. In response, the ASPCA coordinated an emergency transport of 41 dogs from KCHA, including Bergen and his littermates, to the ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center. According to the account, KCHA had done an excellent job caring for the animals. Bergen arrived at the center as a healthy puppy with only a low-grade heart murmur. When he was old enough, ASPCA veterinarians neutered him and rechecked his heart. The murmur had resolved on its own, leaving him medically ready for a fresh start.

All he needed was a home. That part did not take long. Within a week of Amber and Delaney submitting their application, the couple traveled to the Cruelty Recovery Center to meet him in person. During that first meeting, Bergen wandered around the office, cautiously curious, exploring the room at his own pace. At one point, Delaney sat on the floor with legs crossed. Bergen walked over, chose her lap as his spot, and simply sat down. Delaney recalls that as the exact moment they knew he was the one. The decision was made. Bergen would be going home with them that day.

ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center

A new home came with a new name. To keep up with the family pattern of “R” names that started with Ren and Remy, the couple renamed him RVCA, inspired in part by Amber’s favorite brand. His new life, however, began with a lot of cautious steps. When RVCA first arrived at the house, he was extremely nervous. Delaney describes him as being afraid of his own shadow and anxious about the dark and many everyday sights and sounds. In the middle of all that uncertainty, there was one constant comfort. The other dogs never scared him. Ren and Remy became his anchors. If something frightened him, he would rush to them for reassurance, sticking close as if they were his security blanket.

Over time, RVCA’s personality started to emerge more fully. While he still has his fears, those early days of avoiding people and other dogs are largely behind him. Delaney explains that where he once shied away from new encounters, he now approaches both people and dogs to play and interact. That shift says a lot about what patience, stability, and companionship can do for a nervous rescue dog. His friendship with Remy has blossomed exactly as Amber and Delaney had hoped. Remy is his absolute best friend, and their bond has exceeded expectations. They wrestle, chase, and play constantly, with RVCA sometimes pestering Remy to play even when she is less enthusiastic about the idea.

ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center

RVCA’s affection is not limited to his canine companions. Amber notes that he is very much a lap dog despite his size. He seems unaware of how big he has grown and happily climbs onto the couch to sit with his moms, ideally right on top of them. He does not like to be alone and is deeply attached to his family. Those quiet moments are balanced by some humorous quirks. One of his favorite hobbies is stealing laundry. Amber explains that he will dig through a full basket and carefully extract a single sock, then proudly parade it around the house and scatter it somewhere unexpected. He does not chew it or destroy it. He simply seems delighted that he has “found” it. Delaney adds that they often discover a nearly empty basket with one missing sock relocated to the other side of the house.

For a dog who loves his people so much, one of RVCA’s lingering fears is particularly ironic. He is scared of loud sounds and sirens. That fear stands in contrast to the reality of living with two paramedics and firefighters who spend a significant portion of their time at the firehouse. Despite his sensitivity to noise, RVCA enjoys visiting the fire station when he can. Amber explains that he provides a kind of informal animal therapy for the firefighters, which supports their mental health. At the station, RVCA explores as if it is always new, moving around to greet everyone. Delaney notes that he eagerly goes up to each person, often jumping up to say hello, clearly thrilled to be around people.

ASPCA Cruelty Recovery Center

Beyond the firehouse, RVCA thrives in the outdoors. He joins Amber and Delaney on hikes, walks, and runs, reminding everyone that rescue dogs can be ideal adventure partners. Amber particularly enjoys watching RVCA run alongside Delaney. Since Delaney is very tall and has a long stride, it is impressive to see RVCA matching her pace and speed. She describes him as a very good dog all around, capable of keeping up on runs yet equally happy to curl up for cuddle time at home.

RVCA’s story is especially meaningful in the context of September’s Disaster Preparedness Month. As paramedics and firefighters, Amber and Delaney regularly see how emergencies and natural disasters affect both people and pets. Their experience with RVCA, whose life was shaped by severe flooding and the coordinated efforts of local shelters and national responders, reinforces how critical preparation can be. They offer straightforward advice for families who share their homes with animals. Delaney recommends placing a clearly visible sticker or magnet at any entrance to your home indicating that there are pets inside and how many. In an emergency such as a fire or flood, that simple signal can alert first responders to look for animals as they work to get everyone out safely.

Amber adds that they keep a fireproof box stocked with important documents, including their pets’ medical records along with their own key papers like birth certificates and their marriage license. Having vital records in one protected place can save precious time if an evacuation becomes necessary. She also notes that for many people, pets are as cherished as children. For her and Delaney, who do not have children, their animals are their family. That lens makes planning for pet safety in emergencies not a luxury but a necessity.

RVCA’s rescue and adoption highlight what the ASPCA calls The Rescue Effect. When one animal is adopted, space and resources are freed up for shelters and rescues to help more animals in need. That ripple effect can be especially powerful during disasters, when shelters face sudden surges in intake as families are displaced and communities recover. Stories like RVCA’s show how coordinated disaster response, compassionate shelter care, and thoughtful adoption can intersect to create new beginnings for animals that might otherwise be at risk.

For anyone moved by RVCA’s journey, there are practical ways to take action. Preparing a pet emergency kit, keeping medical records accessible, posting visible alerts on your home, and considering adoption are all meaningful steps. Whether you are a first responder, a pet parent, or someone considering your first rescue animal, RVCA’s story is a reminder that a second chance for one dog can bring laughter, comfort, and connection to many people, and can help open the door for others still waiting in shelters after disaster strikes. Read more at https://www.aspca.org/news/rescued-disaster-bergen-finds-his-home-first-responders