We first told the story of Anna a few weeks ago - a 12 year old German Shepard mix in need of a new home. Her wonderful owners Joan and George are moving to a continuing care facility, and cannot take their beloved pet with them.
After searching far and wide for a new home all summer, Anna's chances did not look good. Because of a history of being attacked by other dogs (before she was adopted by Joan and George), Anna has to be the only dog in the house. Most people who would open their home to an elderly dog already have dogs of their own.
But, as Joan says, hope springs eternal.
As the summer turned into fall, Anna still had no solid prospects for a new home. Joan and George were faced with the serious possibility of putting Anna to sleep on November 2nd, but in mid October Joan went ahead and got all Anna's shots updated for the year. Because hope springs eternal.
Volunteers and kind people put the word out far and wide, from Roanoke to Richmond to Washington DC, but still no home for Anna. As a back up plan, we arranged for room at Angels of Assisi, but we knew it would be very hard for her to stay in the adoption center surrounded by other dogs. And we continued to look for a new home and hope for the best for Anna.
Last weekend some of our wonderful volunteers, Wendy and her friend Mike, came up with a plan. If Anna could get along with Mike's cats- and that was a big if because Mike has one cat with only 3 legs- he would foster her in his new house. We arranged for Anna to come to Angels of Assisi yesterday so she could "get into the system" and meet Dr. Spangler, then she was to go home with Mike later in the afternoon.
Our wonderful dog trainer, Melanie Schlaginhaufen, volunteered to go home with Mike to help him introduce Anna to the cats. And hope springs eternal....
We are pleased to say that the meeting went very well- Anna gave the cats a good sniff and went on her way. She was a little nervous her first night away from home, but she is surrounded by her familiar blanket, bowls and toys, and Mike is letting Anna adjust in her own time. So far, so good.
We appreciate the efforts of Nona and the Happy Wag, the many emails and calls placed by volunteers, and most of all we appreciate the big hearts that reside in Mike and Wendy. Thank you!
Posts
5 comments:
I am so relieved! I have been soooo hoping for a nice ending to this story. Like so many others that would have loved to take her, I have a dog who also would not like the arrangement. A BIG thank you to Mike!! -- from all the lovers of senior animals
Mike is our hero!
Awesome!
So, so glad to read this & see that picture of Anna looking so content in her new home with Mike! Warms the heart!!!
Sounds like Anna is a cat at heart, especially considering her run-ins with dogs ... a home with kitties sounds right for her. I bet in time they will be great friends. I can see them all now, cuddled up by the christmas tree waiting on santa. Its a happy day!
Post a Comment