Willow is a 10-year-old senior schnauzer who came to HOPE in early Feb as a victim of unintentional neglect. Her previous owner was, herself, elderly and could not provide the necessary care and attention to Willow, so her daughter sought HOPE to help find a new home for Willow.
When we first met Willow at the vet, she looked to be in such a sorry state with dull and unkempt hair, wherever they managed to grow in patches on her dry and flaky skin anyway. She was riddled with health issues, but thankfully, none of them major.
It was difficult to find a fosterer willing to take her on such short notice. Fortunately, Volvo's former fosterer, a SAHM, came to our rescue. Despite the awful condition of Willow's skin, and having to already juggle the care of a senior cat and her children, she took Willow in without hesitation.
Although her skin had started to improve, she still had bald patches where fur might never grow back in, just like a burn victim. Over the CB period, we had numerous applications to adopt her. However, they all amounted to nothing once they learnt of her skin and the care and attention it required. Also, because she was a senior dog who seemed to thrive in people's company, we did not want her to be left alone at home once the CB period is over and people have to go back to the office for hours on end a day. Meanwhile, the bond between Willow and her foster family seemed to strengthen in the CB period. Willow found a great feline friend in Ollie, the 15-year-old family cat adopted from SPCA, and became a fantastic playmate to the children in the family. She not only tolerated being cuddled like a baby by the children, but seemed to enjoy her role as the baby sister the younger daughter in the family never had. It soon became clear to the family that they could not part with Willow, nor trust anyone else to provide the proper care for her as well as them.
Willow is now named Jessie, which means God is gracious. We are really happy for Jessie and her now forever family. Her family loves her just as much as she loves them. Thank you Jaime and Derek for taking a chance on Jessie and taking care of her medical and emotional needs and will continue to do so as you officially make her a permanent part of your family. This is like a fairy tale come true and may you live happily ever after.
The tale of Willow (or Jessie now) is a tale of how adoption saves lives, and how adopted dogs make great pets. Adopt, don't shop! It matters not how dogs come into your life, only that they do.
Written By: Sam
