Dodger’s Story-Every Dog Deserves a Chance (even seniors)
I think the word that applies is “serendipity” as in making desirable discoveries by accident or good fortune or luck. And I think that is how you explain that Dodger (originally known as Pat) is laying down in my living room.
On Sept 14th I was part of a group being given a tour of a large shelter in New York City. During part of that tour we were shown the hospital and vet care area. There in one of the bottom cages was an 11 year old abused, neglected, injured and broken dog. He was starving to death, had the worst case of matted coat I had ever seen and pressure sores the size of a silver dollar on each of his hips. Who wants to try and save a dog like that? The time and effort to nurse him back to health (we were not even sure that was possible) far outstretched the ability of most rescue groups. So he was scheduled to be euthanized on Sept 16th.
For some reason wherever I went in that room he followed me with his sad eyes. It was like a magnet – we never broke eye contact. Although the group rescued other dogs this poor guy was not originally one of them. After we left and for the next 18 hours the image of that dog and the look on his face and in his eyes haunted me. The prognosis for his survival was not very good but for some reason that was not the main issue. Someone threw him away like an old pair of shoes. To die alone and in pain. IF it was his time we just wanted him to die with a little dignity, not in pain and surrounded by friends. So The Westchester Humane Society (www.westchesterhumanesociety.org) agreed to save the dog and my wife and I immediately adopted him.
Say hello to Dodger (and yes he did dodge a bullet) and stay tuned for updates. Some of what you will hear and see will break your heart and some of it will make your heart smile.
Dear Dodger, We will be praying for you each day. For strength and healing, emotionally & physically. Each day you will feel safer & more loved than you have ever been in your lifetime. There are no boundaries to the love and compassion that your new Mommy & Daddy, John & Eve, will be giving you. Sending hugs to you! And sending a HUGH thank you to Eve & John for simply being who you are & doing what you do.Two of the most wonderful people I have ever met. I am proud to call you my friends!
john and eve, this has touched me so much. i know the exact feeling of being in the shelter and a certain dogs eyes will never leave you, i have gotten them every time, i cannot leave them. thank you so much for getting dodger, he is so blessed to be in your
home. you both are such wonderful and giving people. i am honored to know you and have you as my friends.
You are truly guardian angels. Bless you for seeing past Dodger’s “issues” and looking into those soulful eyes. Senior dogs tug at my heart, especially black ones.
Thank God for people like you and Eve who truly make the world a better place, and for Dodger, you gave him a second chance at life and happiness. What a beautiful story!!!!
XOXOOX
i am thinking of dodger. he is in great hands!
you are so right-they deserve at least a chance and the knowledge that SOMEONE cares for them..certainly not the POS “owner” who last had him!!! no matter how many or few days or weeks he has…..you saved him! hooray!! …he will probably surprise you and hoping he feels better soon! can’t wait for more updates! thank you for saving him!!!
There are no coincidences in life….you obviously were meant to be in the shelter the same time as Dodger…..thank you for realizing that you were meant to be his angel. I was so happy I clicked on the link. I remember this poor old boy all too well. We were all praying for a happy ending for him (and it seems like he got one). God Bless you and your wife. You truly have a place in heaven for rescuing this sad soul. xxxooo to Dodger
john and eve, god bless you both. dodger is so lucky you found him. how can people be so cruel to dump their old friends like dodger in a shelter. i have seen it time and time again in the pound in lee county. he is so loved now and i am sure has never felt the love he has from you two in his life before. he knows he is home. love you both, audrey osborne