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

DO YOU BELIEVE IN LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT?

A Jenny & Allie Story

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

Allie
After the loss of my beloved 12 year old dog Ketta, I wasn't sure I ever wanted another dog. But one day I was passing Petco and saw the Senior Dog Rescue adoption day sign. I told myself a quick peek didn't mean anything. Inside I found five beautiful well-behaved dogs and several nice people, all eager to talk "dog" with me.

When I told Susan Faria, Senior Dog Rescue of OR founder, about Ketta and how much I missed her, I noticed a tear sneaking down her cheek. That was when I understood that Senior Dog Rescue volunteers cared about saving every dog.

When Susan suggested fostering, I realized it was the way to have a dog in my life while I decided if I wanted one permanently. I filled out a foster home application, had a home visit and settled down to wait. Soon I got a call from Susan. There was a dog for me to foster! Her name was Allie and her master was dying of cancer. His last wish was that Allie have her "forever home" until she was ready to meet him in heaven. My heart broke. I could hardly speak but I managed to tell Susan, "Yes! Bring Allie to me."

When Allie arrived I saw the sweetest, most beautiful yellow lab with the darkest eyes I had ever seen. But her head hung down and she was so very sad. I could tell she was grieving for her owner. She ate little, went outside and did what I asked of her, but she was merely going through the motions of life. Then one morning, two weeks later she made eye contact, wagged her tail and licked my hand. That was when I knew I'd never give her up so I called Senior Dog Rescue and asked to adopt Miss Allie. Yes, true love happens just that fast.

Jenny and Allie
Miss Allie has been with me for almost 4 years now, and has been the guiding force for the many dogs I've fostered in that time. Her manners are impeccable. She manages my house and is gracious to all the foster dogs I've had. How many have I fostered? Oh dear, that's too many to count anymore.

People often ask, "Isn't it hard to let them go?" Of course, it is. But my tears are those of happiness when I see the excitement in the adoptive family and the happy wags of a dog who's found a new family. For Allie and me, it's on to the next dog in need.

There are so many dogs needing fostering - and so few foster homes. I can't guarantee you'll find love at first sight like I did, but if you'd like to save a life or two and maybe grow your heart two sizes, here's how:

Google www.sdroregon.com.
Check out SDRO Facebook.
Email SDROregon@gmail.com
Drop into the Corvallis Petco on Senior Dog Rescue's adoption day every month.

Allie and I hope to see you soon!

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


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