Paws and Prayers Rescue Blog

One thing that a lot of people may not know about the rescue groups in Akron is that we work really closely together. Summit County Animal Control has not had to euthanize a dog for space reasons in nearly four years because of the great network that we have established here in Akron. We all share responsibility for these animals, we all share the heartache of a new animal coming in and the relief of one going to a new home. Because of this, it is not uncommon to ask each other for a little help now and again. 

A couple weeks ago we were contacted by the Humane Society of Greater Akron (HSGA) who was becoming over-full this month. HSGA has helped us out immeasurably over the years, so of course, we wanted to do everything that we could to help them out. We were sent a list of their "long-timers," some of which had been there for going on a year or longer. We passed this list on to our fosters in hopes that some would see a cat or dog that they could not turn down and that they would kick their husband out to make room for. ;)

It worked. 

Now, one thing you may not know about us is that we have quite a few fosters that have a soft spot for seniors. Heck, it's not even a soft spot, it's a big, huge, empty void that can only be filled with a big, huge, sweetly aged senior! For those fosters, we found just the right guy: OLAF!

Olaf is the senior of all seniors; aged to perfection! Unfortunately, most people will not see it this way. Most families looking for a new companion want just that; a "new" companion, not a "used" one. Olaf had been with the HSGA since May, undoubtedly passed up for the cute little puppies and the youthful jogging partners just a cage or two down. It is always hard on us as rescuers to see seniors at the local pound. We always invent a rich back story for them, imagining the great fun they had skipping about the yard as a young pup, the sweet children they may have nestled as an adolescent and the loyalty they had carried with them as an adult; all to find themselves in this sad place as a senior. We know that in most places they are the first on the chopping block. This is why, when we saw Olaf's listing, we could not let him fall through the cracks.

Olaf already had the chips stacked against him. We all know about Black Dog Syndrome and not only is Olaf a black dog, he is a senior. And not only is Olaf a senior... He is also blind.

No one has ever said that rescue is easy. Let me tell you, it certainly is not. When do you stop telling someone "Oh, he's still got a few good years left in him!" When do you stop crying "It's ok, he adjusts really well to new environments without his eyesight!" To have a dog that you love and care for so deeply that you feel he is your own, even though he is not... And to see that same dog continually rejected by potential adopters. That is disheartening.  When do you stop saying to yourself "I know his new family is out there!" The answer: Never. You NEVER give up.

Olaf is a very, very special boy. We know that his perfect home is out there and we will not stop searching for it until it is found. Such an upbeat and happy boy deserves a happy ending, after all. :)

 Thank you for reading, Rescuers! If Olaf's story has touched you, please pass this on to friends and family. The more people that see Olaf, the greater his chances are at finding his retirement home! :)

If you think you may want to add Olaf to your home, please complete our online application. You can find the link to it under "Our Links" near the top of this page.