After years of rescue work, it sometimes amazes us about the outcome of our efforts. Often times during the adoption process we turn down the prospective adoptees because we feel that animal and owner are not compatible. It’s not about numbers adopted out, but about compatibility to make sure that this is the animal’s “forever home”.
It was a cold January day. Lori Beaver, from the Cummings, GA. area, drove up to Forest Lawn cemetery in McCaysville to visit her late father-in-laws’s gravesite. It was the first time since his Charlie’s passing that Lori could bring herself to visit the grave site.
As Lori reminisced over the good times in Charles’ life, a small puppy appeared by the grave, shivering from cold and hunger. Lori immediately picked up the puppy and put it under her coat to keep it warm and then it touched her heart. To Lori, this was a sign from God that Charles was ok!
Lori knew she could not care for the puppy and after a few phone calls, Lori found Marty Kahn of Second Chance, to accept the puppy. Lori requested the puppy be named “Good Time Charlie Rose” in honor of her beloved father-in-law. Good Time Charlie Rose was vetted for good health and 10 days after receiving her, Second Chance took the puppy to our adoption location partner, PetSmart in Cumming, GA to find her the perfect family.
Three different weeks prospective families were turned down by volunteer Lillian Stevens. Finally, in mid February a couple came to the adoption site with their 14 year-old special needs son, Ryan, who was in a wheelchair. This was not the store the family would normally visit, but because Ryan’s aunt was heading up the small animal section, Ryan wanted to visit her. The family saw Charlie Rose and spent 1 ½ hours playing with her to see if this puppy was compatible with the. Ryan would smile in the puppy’s presence.
This special family came to visit with Second Chance, Lillian, and Charlie Rose the following Saturday. Fast Forward to the present, and these days “Good Time Charlie Rose” is now known as “Sophie” and she looks forward to being trained as a special companion dog for Ryan. Sophie adores Ryan and is not frightened by his abrupt movements, which is a condition of cerebral palsy. With her training, Sophie will help Ryan achieve some physical independence as he grows older.
Bringing Sophie and Ryan together was a match made in heaven and makes all of the rescue efforts we do worthwhile. What someone had abandoned, God united with someone else.
Below is an email from Sophie’s new family received in March 2008.
I thought I would give you an update on Sophie. She is an AMAZING puppy!!!!! She absolutely loves our son, Ryan, and wants to be near him all of the time. After he goes to bed at night, she lays on his chair or cushions to be near his scent. She is extremely intelligent as well….. we cannot believe how well she is doing so quickly. We feel she was truly meant to be a part of our family. ..
Thanks for everything!! We will keep in touch and send pictures so you can see how she is doing.
Sincerely,
Jean Benedikt
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