For the most part, animal shelter workers are used to people coming in and adopting younger pets. But every so often, they will get someone coming in and asking for an older animal. Whenever this kind of kindness happens, it always moves the shelter workers.
Recently, there was a California animal shelter, Front Street Shelter, where the workers had a woman walk in and as who their “oldest, hardest to adopt dog was.” Surprised, but nonetheless, the employees brought out their oldest dog for introductions.
The woman, Melani Andrews, was then introduced to Jake. Jake had been a stray before he was picked up and brought into the shelter. He was already a senior, and he was suffering from skin problems, dental issues, and cancer. Despite what a wonderful dog he was, he was repeatedly passed over due to his many ailments.
The pairing turned out to be a “match made in heaven,” and the Front Street Shelter couldn’t resist sharing the adorable story to their Facebook.
On their page, Front Street Shelter posted, “This kind woman walked into our shelter and asked who the oldest, hardest to adopt dog was. So we introduced her to Jake. Jake has been with us for a long time, is a senior and has cancer in addition to skin problems. He was getting passed up time and time again.”
They added, “But Melani came to the shelter not just to find a great dog, but to save a life and give unconditional love to a dog in need,” they added. “As you can see, it’s a match made in heaven. Please help us thank Melani…People like her are our heroes.”
Later, during an interview with Today.com, Melani revealed her motivation for the shelter visit was a result of a very difficult year in her personal life. She lost her half a year prior, closely followed by her dog.
Melani knew that she needed a new friend, but she also wanted to do something that would help a rescue dog who really needed it. That is why she specifically chose to go for an overlooked dog – and it just so happened that Jake was it.
Since his adoption, Jake has received a new lease on life. He enjoys short walks around his neighborhood with Melani. He also likes to taunt his next-door neighbor dog through a hole that is in the fence. When he’s not terrorizing his neighbor, he enjoys cuddling up with Melani in his favorite fleece blanket. And the new living arrangement is just perfect for Melani, who is committed to making Jake’s life as wonderful and as comfortable as possible for as long as possible.
This selfless woman certainly deserves a round of applause for her kindness. Let us all remember the importance of adopting senior animals.
