Adopting a rescue dog is a profoundly transformative experience, not only for the animal but also for the new owner. When undertaken thoughtfully, it’s an inherently rewarding endeavor, and your new canine companion will undoubtedly cherish a loving forever home, forging a bond that lasts a lifetime. To encourage you to consider opening your heart and home to a rescue pet this year, here are a few inspiring dog rescue stories from 2019 that left a lasting impression.
Adopted After 400 Days at a Shelter
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of animal advocate Scott Poore, Queen, a three-year-old terrier mix, was finally adopted after spending over a year at a shelter in Great Plains, Kansas. This significant milestone occurred just one week after Poore moved into the shelter to live alongside Queen, publicly vowing to remain there until she found her forever home.
Poore is the founder of Mission Driven Goods, an organization committed to assisting homeless pets, particularly those consistently overlooked for adoption. His unconventional living arrangement with Queen in her 10’x7’ shelter space was designed to amplify her story and encourage adoption. Ironically, Queen’s new owner, Tony Puluso, was unaware of Poore’s campaign when he made the decision to adopt her. Following a week of companionship, Poore escorted Queen out of the shelter and into Puluso’s car, a moment marked by cheers and confetti, signifying a triumphant conclusion to Queen’s challenging journey and Poore’s heartfelt initiative.
Surviving Hurricane Dorian
Hurricane Dorian’s devastating passage through the Bahamas left a trail of destruction, profoundly impacting both human and animal lives. Among the many victims was a dog who, against all odds, survived for nearly a month trapped beneath rubble, sustained only by an air conditioner.
This remarkable survivor was rescued by the Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Palm Beach County, Florida, and fittingly named “Miracle” for enduring such harrowing conditions for an extended period. This organization was instrumental in saving over 100 dogs from the Bahamas in the hurricane’s aftermath. Miracle remained under their care until he fully recovered, awaiting his original family’s claim. When they never reappeared, Miracle found his new forever home with a loving family in North Palm Beach.
Paralyzed Rescue Dog from Iran Finds a New Home
Pani, a dog found in Tehran, suffered a severe spinal injury that resulted in paralysis of her hind legs. She was transported to Animal Haven in New York to receive essential medical treatment and begin her rehabilitation.
Fortunately, her stay at the shelter was brief; she was taken in by Tedi Sarah after only one night. Sarah, a blogger and child life specialist, had prior experience fostering numerous dogs and initially intended to foster Pani until a suitable adoptive family was found. However, Sarah quickly developed a deep affection for Pani and desired to keep her. The primary obstacle was the considerable medical expenses. Sarah shared Pani’s story on her blog and social media, which garnered an offer of assistance with the medical costs. This was followed by many more contributions from her online followers, prompting her to establish a GoFundMe campaign. Ultimately, Sarah made the decision to adopt her new best friend, and all medical expenses were successfully covered.
Rescued Just in Time
After enduring most of her life confined to a cage and then a shelter, six-year-old Journey finally discovered her forever home in 2019. Previously held in a cage in rural Virginia, she was surrendered to an overcrowded shelter following her owner’s death, with euthanasia scheduled for the following day.
Fortunately, Amy Creel, a board member at Knine Rescue in Ashton, Maryland, learned of Journey’s predicament and orchestrated her transport to Ashton. A team of dedicated volunteers undertook the considerable journey, taking turns driving Journey to Maryland. Merely a day after Journey’s arrival at the rescue group, an adoption event was held at Sunrise Senior Living Center in Silver Spring. Journey was the star attraction, captivating residents and staff alike with her gentle demeanor. This charm led to her adoption as the center’s official “house dog.” Today, Journey happily spends her days accompanying residents on walks and warmly greeting visitors, spreading joy and comfort throughout the facility.
From Shelter to Hollywood
Much like acclaimed movie stars who overcame humble beginnings to achieve fame in Hollywood, one Arizona rescue dog transitioned from homelessness to a starring role in a major motion picture. Monte, a two-year-old terrier mix, achieved cinematic stardom by portraying the iconic character Tramp in the live-action adaptation of Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.
Monte’s journey began in a municipal shelter in New Mexico before being transferred to HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix in 2018. After a period in Arizona, the charming pup was adopted by a Hollywood animal trainer, which opened the door to the film industry. Less than a year after his time in Arizona, Monte was selected for the role of Tramp, thanks to his distinctive rugged appearance and endearing personality. The film premiered on the Disney+ streaming service in November, allowing audiences to witness a real-life fairy tale unfold within a fictional narrative.
Saved from Certain Death
While fishing on Kaufman Lake, Bryant Fritz noticed something peculiar: a cage submerged in the water. Upon closer inspection, Fritz realized a dog was trapped inside the cage. Without hesitation, he plunged into the frigid water and waded approximately twenty yards until he reached the cage.
Upon returning to shore, Fritz discovered the dog inside was injured and had likely been exposed to the cold lake water for several hours. Fritz immediately placed the dog in his truck and transported her to the emergency clinic at the University of Illinois Veterinary Hospital. Veterinarians diagnosed the dog with hypothermia and noted she had sustained injuries. Fortunately, the dog made a full recovery. Fritz, whose own dog had recently passed away, decided to adopt her. He named the pup Dory, and she now resides with Fritz and his fiancé in Champaign.
The Hug of Gratitude
Gregory, a beagle, was merely two days away from euthanasia at an animal shelter. The dog suffered from heartworm disease, and the associated treatment costs were prohibitive for the shelter. Fortunately, Gregory was rescued when Joe Kirk decided to bring him home for treatment.
Joe and his wife, Schenley, are co-founders of the Hound Rescue and Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization based near Findlay, Ohio. Their sanctuary is dedicated to facilitating the adoption of abused, neglected, and stray dogs, as well as providing lifelong sanctuary for senior and “unadoptable” dogs. Gregory’s story gained significant viral attention after photographs of the grateful dog embracing his rescuer began circulating online. Following his successful treatment for heartworm disease, Gregory was adopted into a loving forever home with a family that already owned another beagle.
Regardless of the specific narrative or media attention, every pet adoption profoundly alters multiple lives. Consider visiting your local rescue organization today to make a difference.
