2009.10.16
An old dog seeks a new home
Blog reader and Roanoke Times book reviewer Joan Bugbee reached out to me for help finding her dog Anna a new home.
Joan and her husband will soon have to move to a continuing care facility, and Anna cannot go with them. The family is running out of options and is looking for any advice, guidance and suggestions to help Anna.
Joan wrote:
"Surely other pet parents have faced the same dilemma about finding a home for their beloved dog when the continuing care facility can't take her. Anna is nearly 12, arthritic and going deaf, but still loves playing ball, is great watch dog and would be perfect for someone with no other pets.
She was a rescue, saved from an abusive owner who chained her in the yard, where she was attacked by other dogs, so our vet opines. As a consequence, she has to go to a home without other pets. Angels of Assisi and the valley shelters have turned her down."
Relocating out of a family home is difficult in itself; doing so and facing the loss of a beloved pet is heartbreaking. What do you say, readers? Do you know anyone who can help this family? Please send e-mails to pets@roanoke.com and I will pass them on to Joan.
OMG, my heart aches! I have three dogs a cat and a rabbit so I cannot help out here, but I will talk it up. God bless you all and Anna!
Comment by Sandi Saunders — October 16, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
This truly breaks my heart. I forwarded a link to this entry by email to as many people as I could to try and get the word out in the hopes that someone may be able to help. I have two dogs myself & just could not imagine what they are going through. I sincerely hope a good home is found & thank you for getting the word out.
Comment by Pam Hubbard — October 16, 2009 @ 3:22 pm
hey how does this dog do off leash? i am lookin for a dog 4 my gma and was looking for a smaller one but if this one would stay close outside and maybe sit by her in a chair she may be interested. let me know.
Comment by claren — October 16, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
To answer Claren, Anna is fine off leash -- she's very quiet and gentle, and just lies quietly by my chair when I'm reading. She loves to be outside but is also well behaved in the house, doesn't get on furniture, etc. She's about 75 pounds, small for a shepherd, but the shepherd rescue folks don't think she's purebred.
She's getting all her shots for the year today (Sat. Oct. 17) and Angels of Assissi have graciously volunteered to help with paying for her shots once they're due again, a year from now. Thanks for your interest --- this is the sweetest, most loving dog ever.
Comment by Joan Bugbee — October 17, 2009 @ 9:45 am
If Anna doesn't find a home, we will gladly take her into ours and do our best to ensure her happiness the only thing is we have 4 other dogs. Out of the 4 three of them are rescues.I just wanted to let someone know and I couldn't get the email to pet's.com to work.
Comment by Donna — October 17, 2009 @ 1:40 pm
This reply to Claren failed to post earlier, for some reason. Anna is fine off-leash -- she's very quiet and gentle, just lies quietly by my chair when I'm reading. She's small for a shepherd, about 75 pounds.
She got all her shots for the year on Saturday and Angels of Assissi graciously volunteered to help pay for all her shots for the rest of her life. God bless them. Thanks for your interest -- Anna is a sweet, loving, loyal companion, a rescue who needs to be rescued again. Can anyone save her?
Comment by Joan Bugbee — October 18, 2009 @ 6:55 am
Angels of Assisi will help any way we can with the transition. We can help with her yearly shots for the rest of her life. It would be so much better for her to go from her exisitng home to her new home without going to a shelter.
Please email us at loneill@angelsofassisi.org with any questions-
Comment by Lisa — October 18, 2009 @ 7:07 pm
i would take her to my grandmother but her house has 4 levels and with arthritis i dont know how shed do. i will be glad to foster her and look for the perfect home if it comes down to that time. i would take her long term but i have two dogs that can be dog aggressive and would have to keep her and them on separate levels.
Comment by claren — October 20, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
i have foster under those circumstances before and i dog sit so if it comes down to it please let me know. i will gladly do it.
Comment by claren — October 20, 2009 @ 7:00 pm
Please post when this dog gets a new home.
Comment by Kristen — October 21, 2009 @ 9:18 am