Your Stories: We Are Family
May 4, 2012
Rescue story by Rebecca W.Asheville, NC
In 2002, my best friend, Kevin, asked me for help finding him a dog for his birthday. I walked into the Humane Society in Columbia, South Carolina, to browse. In the last cage on the left, a single puppy shoved his nose under the gate when he noticed me. He was the only remaining dog of his litter. The shelter employees informed me he was the runt.
But he was perfect! He was blond and reminded me of a Cocker Spaniel. I filled out the paperwork and adopted him on the spot, agreeing to take the puppy myself if he wasn’t a good fit with my friend.
Kevin loved him immensely. However, his roommate didn't. I planned to find a new home for him, but on a trip to the vet for his vaccinations, he started whining and crying from the shot, then fell asleep in my arms.
"Oh crap," I thought. "This is it, done, over, fin." Jeffrey became my newest family member.
Since then, Jeffrey has been diagnosed with a potentially fatal auto-immune disease, had his cataracts removed and lenses implanted in both eyes, been diagnosed with allergies and gone on allergy shots, had an ear infection that lasted six months, had a urinary tract infection for six months, had pancreatitis, and more.
He is now 10 years old, diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and is the happiest pup I know. He has been on some form of medication most of his life. And he thrives! He can't hear well anymore, but is great at tracking squirrels and turkeys on our rural property in western North Carolina. He loves riding in the car, greeting me when I come home, and being submissive to our cat.
Jeffrey is the perfect dog. He is family.
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