Older shelter dogs often have a hard time getting adopted.
Most people are more interested in young dogs and puppies, and as a result, many surprisingly affectionate and loving older dogs go unnoticed.
One such puppy is Shay, a 14-year-old, deaf, half-blind and nearly toothless miniature poodle.
Shay ended up at the Iowa Animal Rescue League after his family decided not to take him with them when they moved, and for months the poor dog kept waiting to be adopted by a new family.
When Shay was taken to the shelter, the little poodle was in bad shape.
In addition to being deaf and half-blind, Shay suffered from a tooth disease that had gone untreated for too long.
All but one of his teeth were completely rotten and had to be removed.
Old, disabled, and now toothless, Shay’s chances of adoption seemed slim to none.
For four months, the dog watched puppy after puppy find his perfect home while being neglected over and over again.
He could give so much love. He just needed someone to give him a chance.
And then, one day, a little boy walked into the shelter.
Tristan visited the shelter with his mother, and the couple was looking for a small dog to adopt and love.
The shelter staff knew right away that Shay would be perfect for them, and eagerly introduced Tristan to Shay.
As soon as Shay and Tristan met each other’s eyes, it was clear that they were destined to be a family.
«Shay was very comfortable with Tristan from the beginning,» said the shelter representative.
Shay instantly trusted Tristan, and Tristan glowed with joy as he stroked the cute little poodle.
When Tristan was informed of Shay’s special needs, the boy was not discouraged.
He listened very maturely to everything he needed to know and made it clear that he was willing to do anything to keep Shay happy and comfortable.
Tristan tried to ask as many questions as he could to be able to take the best care of Shay, and he carefully wrote down future vet visits he would have to make for Shay.
While some people would have perceived Shay as damaged goods or «too much work,» Tristan simply saw him for who he was: a wonderful, loving little puppy in need of love.Now Shay has a family who loves him for what a sweet puppy he is, and he never has to worry about being abandoned again.
Tristan showered the puppy with love and affection and made sure that all of Shay’s needs were met.
Shay is lucky to have found such a wonderful family, and now the little puppy can wake up feeling happy and safe every day of his life.
This boy’s maturity and compassion is an inspiration to us all.
