 |
| Matthieu, when he was first rescued in 2012 |
At the ripe old age of 15+ years, Matthieu is our oldest and longest-staying resident. He had been waiting for a forever home for the past six years. Like many of the dogs cared for by the fosters of HOPE, Matthieu has special needs. When he was about 10+ years old, Matthieu was found badly injured and paralysed from the waist down, close to starvation.
 |
| Matthieu at the vet in 2012 |
After being treated for his injuries and discharged from hospital, Matthieu was taken into a temporary home where he was showered with love and affection for the first time in his life. Several animal lovers also contributed time and money to help improve Matthieu’s quality of life. One ordered a walkabout harness from the States to help volunteers support Matthieu’s body while he exercised. Another sponsored a customised wheelchair – specially imported from Thailand – to help Matthieu with his mobility.
 |
| On the road to recover in the early days |
In addition to the wheelchair, Matthieu also attended twice-weekly hydrotherapy sessions to improve his mobility in the early days but stopped after he suffered a slipped disc. He has been having weekly massage as well, thanks to a kind and generous sponsor, Cynthia. Over the years, we have seen his renewed confidence and improved self-esteem that really touched us. And through it all, he has remained sweet and charming.
Despite all these improvements to his life, we didn’t have high expectations of Matthieu getting adopted. After all, he had several strikes against him – he’s aged, handicapped, and he’s also black (unfortunately, many people still have biases against black dogs).
This is why we were overjoyed when one of our longtime volunteer of HOPE, Flora, stepped forward this September to open her home to Matthieu. It was more than a kind gesture – it was a miracle. Even though we have seen many adoptions, it never fails to touch our hearts each time someone agrees to open their heart and home to an animal friend. Each time a special needs dog finds a home, it feels like we’re witnessing a miracle.
 |
| Matthieu and his one true love, Flora |
At HOPE, we truly believe in miracles. That’s why our small group continues to have the highest number of special needs dogs [among other dog shelters in Singapore] because we believe these paralyzed dogs will someday walk again; that they will one day get adopted and find their forever home. And indeed with Matthieu and Flora, our faith has been tested and proven sound. But maybe, just maybe, it shouldn't be so surprising. As the American writer Willa Cather once said, “Where there is great love, there are always miracles.”
Written by: Vanessa
________________________________________________________________________
In May 2016, after my previous dog passed away from cancer, I looked around for a suitable dog rescue organization to offer my help.
Then, in Sep 2016, I saw HOPE's Facebook post in search of a volunteer to walk a special needs dog. I decided to try it out, and thus, began my journey to meeting Matthieu.
I remember vividly the day I met Matthieu. It was on 30 Sep 2016. We met for the first time, and had our first walk together. Matthieu was chilled out and relaxed with me. By the second visit, he rolled on his back, wanted belly rubs, and gave me high five with his paws.
 |
| Matthieu & Flora |
Since our dog-walking days together, Matthieu has had walking difficulty. I visited him as much as I could, followed him as he went from one foster to another. Poor old man, he had no place to call his own. I didn’t want him to feel alone and abandoned. I wanted Matthieu to know there will always be a familiar face, and a friend that he can count on. Together, we went on Diaper Club outings, and the much dreaded vet visits. Once when he had nowhere to go, I fostered him for three whole weeks. As regularly as I could, I visited him and tried to make him happy. Then again, how can he be happy without a real home?
 |
| The king on his diaper club outing |
 |
| True love <3 |
And so, a month ago, I adopted Matthieu. I didn’t want him moving from one commercial boarding to another. He is an old man at 15+ years, and I really want him to have a home of his own. I do not want to live with the regret over knowing that this old buddy of mine may pass on without knowing what a real home is like.
 |
| Some things in life are just meant to be <3 |
The adoption was finalized on 30 Sep 2018, exactly two years since I met Matthieu. Matthieu now proudly wears his collar, and has his very own tag. I am setting up in a new place soon but it's not ready yet. In the meantime, I am only too happy to take full responsibility for Matthieu. Gradually, I will ease him into his new home.
Matthieu can now truly enjoy his golden years, and live a life fit for a king.
Written by: Flora Yee
