When Susanne inadvertently glimpsed the image of a Jack Russell terrier mix on her local rescue center’s website, she was overwhelmed with sadness and felt a strong urge to bring home another pup in need. Already having one rescue dog at home, Susanne began to imagine what it would be like if they could both share their lives.
As soon as Susanne, who requested to remain anonymous, laid eyes on the 10-year-old boy at the center, she knew that she was smitten. She waited in line for three hours outside of the center just so that she could be first to register her interest and establish a connection with him. As they looked into each other’s eyes, an instant bond between them occurred.
While Neville’s past was unknown, it was evident that his days as a stray had been anything but easy. Susanne welcomed him into her home with open arms and love, yet the adjustment period wasn’t always simple – especially when mealtime came around.
Despite this challenge, however, there were no doubts that Neville felt safe in his new environment.
According to Susanne, “It appeared that he had been ill-treated in his past life and was likely used for breeding. His behavior at first provided a clear indication of this; he was often competing with other dogs for food, trying to eat directly from the floor or even my dog’s bowl.”
To teach him to eat from a bowl, she had to invest some time and effort. Eventually, he became so attached to it that it was his prized possession!
Two years down the line, Neville’s most valued item is his food bowl which he clings to wherever his little paws take him.
With his mother’s assistance, Neville has developed a unique nightly ritual – he brings his food bowl to bed and cuddles up with it until the morning.
“I imagine he had never experienced having his bowl before, and now that he does, it’s like watching a dream come true for him,” Susanne declared. “The gratefulness on his face is quite moving—it appears to symbolize comfort and security for him. It is just so heartbreaking.”
Susanne has been constantly charmed by Neville, and she wishes that his tale might spur others to embrace senior rescue dogs.
Susanne described her companion as a “gentle, quiet, and timid soul” who is always by her side. Despite his age of 12, he remains determined to live life fully despite his physical limitations such as deafness and poor vision.
Please share this beautiful story with your loved ones!
(h/t: thedodo)