Don’t ever give up! In Texas, a heartwarming story is wagging its tail out of Austin Pets Alive! (APA); a beacon of hope for homeless animals. Beluga, a sweet senior Carolina dog mix, has finally found his forever home after a wait that spanned over 700 long days.
Beluga’s journey wasn’t easy. This ten-year-old pup arrived at APA in 2022 with a unique set of needs. Partial deafness and blindness, coupled with neurological and mobility challenges, meant Beluga required a special kind of family. He needed a calm, loving environment with plenty of space to navigate comfortably.
Velcro, FKA Beluga, is a 10-year-old senior dog who had searched for a loving home since 2022. With his older age came some arthritis and an unknown background likely contributed to some trust issues and progressive neurological/musculoskeletal challenges. His ideal home would be slow paced, just like him! And come with a patient and understanding human.
Check out one of his videos as Beluga helped to celebrate “Adopt a Senior Dog” month.
https://www.facebook.com/austinpetsalive/videos/551948000074310
Enter Jeanette, a 74-year-old, looking for a low-energy companion after the passing of her beloved senior dogs. Fate intervened when Jeanette, who initially planned to meet a different dog, crossed paths with Beluga. His kind eyes and gentle spirit, tilted head held high despite his challenges, stole her heart.
“He looked like, ‘Oh, look at poor little me,’” Jeanette remembers, “and I said, ‘Okay, I have to see him.’” Their connection was instant. Beluga, for the first time in over two years, seemed to find solace and a sense of belonging.
Senior happily ever after
Jeanette’s quiet home provided the perfect sanctuary for Beluga. Theirs is a story of mutual understanding and companionship. Beluga receives the love and care he deserves, and Jeanette finds joy in spoiling her furry friend.
Soon after meeting, Jeanette welcomed Velcro into her home under foster care with the intention of adopting. The foster-to-adopt process allows both APA! and the foster parent to help the dog acclimate to a new environment by providing at-home behavior consults and lifelong adoption support.
This heartwarming adoption is a testament to the unwavering dedication of APA and the power of second chances. It reminds us that age and special needs shouldn’t be barriers to finding a loving home.
Looking for your perfect match?
If you’re considering adopting a pet, senior dogs like Beluga can be incredibly rewarding companions. They often require less training and are more content with a laid-back lifestyle. Organizations like APA have a variety of animals waiting for their forever families.
Here’s how you can help:
- Consider adopting a senior pet: Senior dogs offer unconditional love and require less activity.
- Donate to animal shelters: Your contribution helps provide food, shelter, and medical care for animals in need.
- Volunteer your time: Shelters rely on volunteers to walk dogs, socialize animals, and assist with adoption events.
Beluga’s story is a beacon of hope for all the waiting animals at APA and shelters everywhere. It’s a reminder that love knows no bounds and forever homes can come in all shapes and sizes.
Open your heart and open your home – There’s a perfect match waiting for you!
For more information about volunteering, fostering, donating and/or adopting, please click here.
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