Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon
100% volunteer    100% foster homes    100% donor funded

A DOG ONLY A MOTHER COULD LOVE?

A Jenny & Allie Story

By Jenny Sullivan, Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon Foster Home Coordinator

Boomer
Sometimes a dog comes into Senior Dog Rescue I think to myself, "Who will ever want this dog?" Such was the case with Boomer, an 8yr old terrier mix. He came into rescue as a stray who had been living at a truck stop. He was emaciated, his coat was patchy; much of it lost to skin infections and he limped from an old untreated fracture. But in spite of his horrible former life, Boomer was a real pleaser. I prayed someone would look past his appearance and give him his "Forever Home."

Crossing my fingers, I posted his photo and story on the Senior Dog Rescue of OR petfinder site and was amazed to receive a call just days later.

Joann and Bill had quite a story to share.

"My husband Bill and I recently lost our 14 year old black lab. There was a large empty place in our home and lives, but we were okay with allowing the feeling of loss to unfold and our hearts to mend. We hadn't really thought about getting another dog until one evening I went to the movies and saw a wonderful film, "Beginners." In it was a darling rough-coated Jack Russell terrier that made me look at small dogs in a way I never had before. I had always thought of terriers as annoying and far too prone to yap. I left the theater with the sense that there was a small dog somewhere out there in need of a loving home.

When I got home, I launched an Internet search and found Boomer, a little terrier with the saddest life. A little guy who really needed someone. I quickly called Senior Dog Rescue asking to meet Boomer.

When Jenny, SDRO's foster home coordinator, pulled into our drive with the unusual-looking little dog, I was surprised by how cute he was. I called to him and he came eagerly to me. He sat, laid down and followed me when called. He had not lost his affection for and trust in humans! He wanted to please.

The following week, after a home visit and the opportunity to meet our lab Tucker, Boomer came to live with us. We thought he deserved a new name to go with his new life so dubbed him Boo, short or Boo Boo.

I'll always wonder how we knew this was the right fit. Sure, he needed us, but it's clear we also needed him. Was it my instinct for nurturing and mothering that kindled a smoldering flame of need in my heart? Or perhaps Bill and I felt a kinship with a special needs dog as we age. We know how it is to be achy and stiff and to seek a bit of extra TLC some days. Whatever we are giving to Boo, we are getting back more in return. And as for his looks, see for yourself. He's just perfect!"

All stories are copyrighted by Jenny Sullivan. All rights reserved. Reprinted on SDRO website with permission of Jenny Sullivan.


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