Where Would He Go?

Duke was a loyal pet to his person since he was a puppy. As his person grew older and more frail, Duke served as her motivator to keep going, her constant companion as she struggled to maintain her independence. Now, at nearly 8 years old, Duke has lost his person to a nursing home. His person made her family promise to find Duke a home, that he wouldn't end up frightened and alone at the pound.

So, Duke lived alone in his home, being cared for daily by his person's family, a family that was unable to take him in despite their obvious love for him and his love for them. Worse yet, the house was for sale and Duke would not be able to stay there indefinitely. If someone bought the house, where would he go???

When Duke's family reached out to one of our volunteers, we weren't sure we would be able to help. We have so few foster homes and they rarely have space to take in another animal. This is the sad situation for all area rescues.

But the BHS family of fosters and volunteers pulled together to save this sweet boy. Fosters visited Duke to take pictures and find out more about him. Volunteers and fosters shared his story all over Facebook and reached out to other rescues that specialize in senior dogs. After just a few days, we had hope. One of our dedicated fosters was willing and able to make space for him in her home. Duke is now safely and happily in foster care, no longer at risk of ending up at the pound.

His new foster mom, Julie, reports that he is doing well, ignoring the cats and walking well on leash. He is housebroken, despite his recent stress. He is obviously starved for attention, shadowing his foster mom and asking for belly rubs. He will clearly make some lucky person a wonderful forever companion.

Duke is already neutered and has some vaccination history, but we will get him updated, heartworm tested, and microchipped before he is ready for adoption. We hope to have him posted on our adoption websites soon. If you would like to meet this boy, email an adoption application to info@bhsva.org.

We are so thankful to the extraordinary people that make up our family of fosters and volunteers. There is no end to their generosity of spirit and our community is a better place because of them.