If we could have wished for anything for a PAWS’ dog entering into 2019, it would be that our dearest Drake finally found his forever. Drake arrived in PAWS in 2013 in very poor condition. He was skin and bone and looked like he’d never been properly cared for in his life. With protruding bones from being so malnourished, matted, filthy fur and the saddest eyes you’ve ever seen. He arrived in PAWS a very troubled dog. We believed Drake had been given any kind of socialisation and grew up having to battle for every scrap of food. He showed some signs of unfriendliness towards other dogs which resulted in him being difficult to rehome. However, within a few days of arriving at PAWS, it became very evident how wonderful a dog Drake truly was. Even despite his suffering from his past, he adored people and loved everyone he met.
He was full of life, ran rings around us while playing with toys and loved his teddy bears. He still, unfortunately, fell into the category of ‘special long term dogs.’ Like so many dogs that have been cared for by PAWS and have had trouble finding their forever homes, except for our darling Drake, he almost became unofficial ambassador for long term shelter dogs. As time passed by, less and less people showed any interest at all in Drake. Whenever the subject of dog adoption came up, Drake’s name was always mentioned with crossed fingers and everyone hoping this month might be Drake’s month.
Drake recovered rather quickly from his ailments, put on weight, made friends with all his visitors, barked excitedly and wagged his tail, as most shepherds do when they see new people but no one seemed to take any major interest in him other than commenting on what a shame it was that he was here for so long. It got more and more worrisome that Drake possibly may never find his perfect person to come and take him home. Early last year, Roger and Ramsy, the PAWS handymen made it their business to built Drake his very own PAWS’ ‘appartment’ complete with arm chair, exercise area and a cosy kennel for all his teddy bear cuddling. Drake loved it and it gave him a better view of all the PAWS’ visitors and staff coming and going. Drake’s new quarters were a work of art but it had looked apparent, as the grey hairs started to spread on his once completely black muzzle, that our dashing Drake may live out his years with his PAWS’ family.
Then, completely unexpectedly, six whole years after he first arrived in the PAWS’ gates, it happened. A lovely woman named Nicole Tobin, arrived at the shelter looking to adopt a PAWS’ dog and asking about Drake. She had heard his story and instantly decided he was the dog for her. Drake and Nicole met and it was love at first sight. A few weeks later in February of this year, a day we had wished for for so long for had arrived, we were bidding our boy farewell. Drake finally got adopted and got to start his life as an adopted family dog. Happy tears filled every eye under the PAWS’ roof that day. The darling Drake, that special dog had finally gone home and we couldn’t be happier for him or his new owner. We know he has found the best home we could ever wish for him. Farewell Drake.
If you would like to find out more info about some of the other long term dogs in PAWS’ care, please visit our shelter, we are open 2pm to 4 pm Monday to Sunday or message our Facebook page. Thank you.
