Once upon a time at the Isle of Wight County Animal Shelter there arrived a sweet, gentle, senior hound, dubbed “Thomas”. Since Thomas was a stray his owner was sought out, unfortunately no one came to claim this senior gentleman. Being a senior also made him less popular for adoption but he was still on schedule to “get ready to adopt” by being sent to the SNIP van for neutering. At the SNIP van he was turned down due to severe periodontal disease and his age. Rescuers, Julia and Patricia, were able to pull Thomas after Gimme Shelter gave the promise of financial backing to get Thomas healed and adoptable. Thomas was transported by Howard Holloman to Smithfield Animal Hospital to get his neuter and teeth cleaning done. Unfortunately, upon further evaluation by Dr. May, it was discovered that Thomas had a severe infection in the back of his throat from some kind of injury he sustained which had torn a hole in his throat tissue. Dr. May assured Robin Knauth of Gimme Shelter, Inc that he felt with medical attention and time, Thomas could heal. He was given strong antibiotics to begin the healing process and was adored by the staff at Smithfield Animal Hospital. Robin knew that a “home” environment would be a better place for Thomas to recover and she contacted Marie, a friend of Gimme Shelter who was interested in fostering.
Marie gladly took on the task of “mom” to Thomas, Gimme Shelter provided Marie with special prescription canned food to get Thomas to eat. Under the loving care of Marie and Dr. May, Thomas started to heal and flourish. Thomas even visited us at “the Gimme Shelter shop”. Marie took Thomas for all his rechecks at Smithfield Animal Hospital and made sure that Dr. May felt Thomas was adoptable … if not she was willing to be a “foster failure” and keep Thomas herself. Dr. May assured Marie that he was healthy and adoptable and ready to get his neuter to continue on his path to a forever home.
After his neuter and a clean bill of health, Marie met Hope for Life Rescue at the shelter to transfer Thomas to them. Being a senior dog, Hope for Life Rescue was a fantastic match for Thomas. While at Hope for Life, Thomas met “Marigold” who was jokingly labeled as his “girlfriend” Thomas shared his smile with everyone and stole hearts.
This smile won the heart of a senior gentleman who had been working with Hope for Life for the last month to find just the right dog. He recently lost his wife and then their dog passed away and he wanted someone to keep him company. His daughter was contacted to make sure that he would be a good guardian for Thomas and she confirmed that he is a very careful pet owner and would provide a great home. Thomas left this afternoon for his new home. He was part of their Heart to Heart Senior program and it worked to find him a great home. If for any reason it should not work out, Thomas would be brought back to Hope for Life to begin his search again. They believe this will be a good fit!
This “tale” has a happy ending due to ALL of those involved to make it happen. We at Gimme Shelter are so grateful to everyone who helps to make these “happily ever after” tales a dream come true. Thank you for your continued support.
This “tale” has a happy ending due to ALL of those involved to make it happen. We at Gimme Shelter are so grateful to everyone who helps to make these “happily ever after” tales a dream come true. Thank you for your continued support.