When people go to animal shelters, they often ask for a puppy or a young dog. It’s easier to care and train it, after all. Leslie Sacks, however, did the complete opposite. And her actions left the shelter workers in awe.
The Sacks family lost their dog so they decided to adopt another. Leslie, knowing how important it is to adopt rather than to buy from pet shops, paid Asheville Humane Society a visit. And when she spoke with the workers, she asked them for the oldest and the most unnoticed dog they have.
The staff introduced Leslie to Sam, a 7-year-old female dog that had been with them for six months already. She was once adopted but returned because she didn’t get along with her adoptive family’s dogs. She had a severe skin allergy and she required medical care.
Leslie was all set to adopt Sam when she stumbled upon Brutus, a 13-year-old male dog that was surrendered to the shelter not too long ago. The senior pup’s time was running out fast and he was due to be put down in a couple of days. Choosing between the two dogs was a tough decision Leslie had to make.
After thinking for a minute, Leslie knew there’s no way she could let anything bad happen to any of the dogs. She spoke with Meredith Pitcairn, the center’s communication and digital fundraising manager, and learned more about Brutus and Sam.
Sam needed a specialized diet to alleviate her skin condition. It was also a gamble to have her around other dogs. Brutus, on the other hand, had multiple medical issues because of old age. Additionally, he displayed severe separation anxiety so he had to be with someone all the time.
Everyone at the shelter waited for Leslie to decide. They loved both dogs and they wanted nothing but for Brutus and Sam to find their homes. So when she made her decision, the workers and all the volunteers were lost for words.
I’d take them both, Leslie said. And then, she walked Brutus and Sam into her car and drove straight back home. She welcomed them into her family and promised them that for the rest of their days, they will feel love and will never be alone again.
Credits to Asheville Humane Society
