Belky, a 15-year-old Australian Shepherd, was cruelly abandoned on an interstate in 2021. The poor dog was both obese and infested with maggots.
A Good Samaritan spotted Belky wandering alone along the side of the interstate and contacted the authorities, who brought the poor senior dog to Saginaw County Animal Care & Control, an open-admissions animal shelter.
After putting Belky on a strict and healthy diet and treating her for a flea infestation, the animal shelter transferred the dog to the Humane Society of Midland County.
Casey Nicholson, the communications coordinator for the Humane Society of Midland County, reported that they saw hope and desire to be loved and given a second chance in life in Belky’s eyes.
To prepare for adoption, Belky still needed to reduce weight.
During a special adoption event sponsored by a foundation, the senior dog then met her adopter. A woman named Breanna Dalton first saw Belky on Facebook and immediately fell in love with her. And meeting her in person undoubtedly confirmed that they were a perfect match. She gave the older dog the home she deserved by adopting her.
Dalton stated that she is aware of how difficult it is for senior dogs to be adopted. She felt incredibly fortunate that she had the opportunity to visit the shelter and that Belky was still present.
As for the elderly dog, she rapidly adjusted to her new environment and routine. She enjoys walking with her new mother and cuddling with her favorite unicorn doll. She enjoys sleeping in her new bed as well. And every time her mother returns home, the dog greets her with enthusiasm.
Senior dogs in shelters are often overlooked by potential adopters. What they do not realize is that these senior dogs have an abundance of affection to give.
Hopefully, Belky’s story will encourage animal lovers to adopt an older dog.
Source: Humane Society of Midland County