We adopted our Bassett/PBGV mix from a no kill shelter in the Catskills. The lady who established the place was a self-described Jewish girl from Brooklyn. When she was a newlywed, she was staying in a little community with her toddler son while their house was being built.
The old lady next door to her died and her relatives came and emptied the house and left her old Golden Retriever behind. The shelter lady didn’t think much of it, never having a pet herself, and it was summertime and the dog was being fed by the neighbors. The dog and her son were very friendly.
One day, her son disappears. The community went looking for him to no avail. Then the troopers were brought in. Still no sign of the toddler. Someone finally asks “where’s the dog”? Everyone went back out again, this time calling the dog’s name. Eventually they heard faint barking and followed it.
The old dog was spotted, her body pinning the baby’s body against a tree. He was fast asleep. When they picked him up, the dog collapsed with exhaustion. Just a few feet away was a steep drop into a crop of rocks.
That day the mother made it her mission to save old unwanted animals. She adopted the dog and started her shelter. It’s also where NYC police horses are retired.
So awesome! Faith in Humanity - RESTORED! :)