All shelter dogs yearn for parents who will love them unconditionally.
Each day, they awaken with hopeful hearts, dreaming that their deepest wish will finally be fulfilled.
Sadly, senior dogs and those with special needs often find themselves viewed as less desirable, causing them to wait the longest for adoption.
Beluga, a gentle senior pup, knows the pain of being repeatedly overlooked by potential adopters.
This sweet dog spent over 700 days in a kennel, pouring his heart into hoping that someone would come along to adopt him and shower him with love forever.
The Journey of Beluga
Beluga, a 10-year-old stray, was rescued by Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) in 2022.
His rescuers immediately noticed his head tilt, and although they were uncertain of his past, they suspected he had endured trauma.
This affectionate pup had special needs, facing challenges like arthritis, neurological conditions, partial deafness, and partial blindness.
Beluga required a peaceful home and a compassionate human ready to provide him a loving environment.
His friends at the shelter did everything possible to support him and shower him with the affection he needed.
They longed for Beluga to find a forever home where he would be cherished.
However, as time went on, Beluga remained in his kennel while other shelter dogs joyfully left, cradled in the arms of their new families.
Beluga often wondered if he would ever find the same luck.
A Senior Pup Discovers His Perfect Match
In February 2024, a compassionate 75-year-old named Jeanette visited the shelter in Texas. After losing her two senior dogs, she was eager to find a loving companion.
With her previous experience caring for senior breeds, she was well-equipped to provide the specialized care they require.
Though she intended to adopt another dog, the moment Jeanette met Beluga, her plans shifted.
She instantly fell in love with the charming senior dog. Jeanette fostered him with the hope of formally adopting him later.
It quickly became evident to Jeanette that Beluga was meant to be with her.
While at the shelter, Beluga was shy and lethargic.
But once he arrived at Jeanette’s home, he flourished. The delightful canine began to run joyfully in the yard with a bright smile.
Beluga relished exploring his new environment and embraced his newfound freedom. With the love from his new mom, Beluga transformed into a youthful puppy.
He adores Jeanette and wishes to be by her side at all times, leading to her lovingly renaming him Velcro.
Both Jeanette and Velcro are overjoyed to have found each other.
Velcro has filled Jeanette’s home with happiness, and she believes he chose her to be his forever mom.
“Velcro has adopted me; I didn’t adopt him, he adopted me. He has chosen me,” Jeanette shared with PEOPLE.
Jeanette hopes her experience will inspire others to adopt senior dogs, noting that they have plenty of love to offer.
“They deserve love, and they give as much love as they receive. They respond to affection just as well, if not more so than younger dogs,” Jeanette stated to APA!.
We couldn’t be happier for Velcro. After a long wait, he finally discovered the love he had always deserved.
