One of the major reasons that people end up surrendering their pets to a shelter is that they are moving to a new home. Some people just leave their dogs to fend for themselves without making any arrangements for their care.
But Shey’s former humans dropped her off at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
Shay is a poodle and, at 14-years-old, he didn’t stand much of a chance at getting adopted. Not only was he an older dog, but he had a dental disease, was never neutered, and had a bunch of other problems. He was deaf, blind, and toothless, so caring for him would take a lot of effort.
Families will often opt for puppies that will be able to grow up with their children when they adopt. And kids often want the cutest puppy they see, rather than the wisest looking puppy.
But a boy named Tristan saw something special in Shay.
Tristan and his mother were looking for a mellow dog who loves affection and thought Shay was exactly what they were looking for in a dog.
“Shey is super sweet and wants to be near people all the time,” the Animal Rescue League of Iowa’s digital content coordinator Jessica Jorgenson told The Dodo. “Shey was very comfortable with Tristan from the beginning,”
And Tristan didn’t hesitate when he heard the long list of Shay’s special needs.
“He understood that Shey couldn’t hear what was going on and might not be able to see things clearly, so he was very slow with his actions,” Jorgenson said. “He was just very respectful of what Shey could and couldn’t handle.”
Tristan started scribbling down a list of the dates for Shay’s future vet visits.
“He was so mindful of Shey’s special needs,” Jorgenson added. “Tristan is very mature for his age and asked a ton of questions.”
The shelter was confident that Tristan would make the perfect owner for a senior dog to have.
Now, these two are always cuddling up together in Shay’s new forever home.
“Shey is very content,” Jorgenson said. “Cuddling is his favorite thing in the world, and he snuggled right in with Tristan.”
Many were impressed by Tristan’s willingness to take on the responsibility of caring for a dog with special needs.
Especially knowing that he might only have a few years with him.
“What an amazing young man! Tristan, if you happen to read this you are a truly special person and I know you are going to do incredible things in this world. Protect that beautiful spirit of yours and I hope you understand what a beautiful gift you have given your sweet Shey,” one commenter said on Facebook. “I also adopt rescues that no one else wants, and they are the most wonderful, loving, sweet dogs in the world. Thank you for saving Shey’s life and giving her all the cuddles in the world!”
“The best kid who ever lived. That’s the best one to choose, the oldest.
I have done it myself and am so glad to see this wonderful young man do it as well. He has a big heart,” said another.
Thanks to this little boy Shay is going to enjoy the rest of his life being loved and cared for.
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