In July 2023, Markus' owners contacted Lucie Holmes, the founder of Lucie's Animal Rescue, saying that they wanted to surrender their two-year-old Patterdale mix Labrador because he barked at people and dogs.

Holmes was extremely surprised to hear their reason because barking is a dogs' method of communication.

Markus spent five weeks with his owners. Coming to a new home was a big change for him and he needed time to adjust to his new environment.

This was the time when he craved his family's support the most and needed them to cheer him on.

Unfortunately, his parents had already made the decision to give him up. They were not willing to put any effort in helping him, and he wasn't even given any training. 

Since the rescue center was full at the moment, Holmes told Markus' owners that she was unable to take him in. She promised to call them when there was enough room.

Saving Markus