The story of Snoopy

Write-up by Jeni Mather, Founder & President of Brockton Blue Dog Shelter,featured in "The Pet Gazette"

In October of 2004 an elderly man came into our shelter. He had lost his housing and was staying with a friend. He said he needed to find his best friend of ten years a safe place to stay for a couple of weeks. For three weeks he searched high and low for a place that would allow Snoopy to come and live with him. He quickly ran out of ideas and money. Sadly, he did what he had to do and took elderly housing that would not allow Snoopy. When he came to say goodbye to Snoopy, it was an emotional time for everyone involved.

Six months have passed and we have come to think of Snoopy as our old fella on campus. Funny thing though, I would dare even an experienced eye to try and guess his age. He keeps up with the best of the younger dogs. If we weren't so honest, we could tell people he was only seven without a question. He is affectionate without being needy and energetic without being hyper. He eagerly meets each visitor who comes to look at the younger puppies with a hopeful skip to his step, a love shining in his eyes, and a wag in his tail. But the answer that he gets over and over is, "Oh, he's such a nice dog but he's too old. I don't want to have to go through losing my companion so quickly."

I will admit I completely understand, and I do not believe that anyone should be guilted into adopting a family member. I know in my heart though that there is someone out there for Snoopy. I just hope that they find each other soon. I am sure that there is someone who will look past the idea that Snoopy will not be here forever. Let's be honest, how many of us have had a dog for three months, or six months, or five years and he or she passed on. Now consider if someone suggested to you that you should never have had the blessing of their company. No amount of time is too short to experience the love and affection of a dog, and no amount of time is long enough for their companionship.

I look forward to meeting the lucky person who will be sharing Snoopy's life with him...

Well a wonderful lady that just happened to read Jeni's write-up replied...

Dear Brockton Blue Dog Shelter (Jeni Lynn Mather),

Please accept our adoption application for Snoopy.

Just yesterday I read your very sad, thoughtful ad about Snoopy in the April edition of the Pet Gazette. My husband and I had an immediate reaction to Snoopy's story and the painful situation that brought him to you.

About a year ago, we adopted a 12 year old Dalmatian named Trace that had been staying with our vet after her owner suffered health problems and had to give her up. She was a gentle, sweet, funny dog and we all fell in love with her immediately. Unfortunately, after 5 months Trace became sick from cancer and diabetes and she died 3 months later. As you wrote in your ad, although we only had her for 8 months, we were so grateful for that time and in no way regret our decision to adopt her. From the experience, our two young children learned compassion, courage and the special needs associated with aging.

We have two younger dogs ( 3 yrs. and 1+ yrs.) that are very social and would welcome an additional playmate. We hope we can become Snoopy'slast home.

Regards,

Donna

And so it was. Snoopy found his new forever home.

Our wish at the shelter is that all homeless pets find the happy ending thatSnoopy found.