When Netty the pit bull mix left the animal shelter for her new home 12 years ago, she could not have known she’d one day return. But sadly, return she did.
Her owners brought her back in June, and once again, she was left without a loving family to take care of her. But this time, she was a senior, at 15 years old.
“Her condition wasn’t poor, she is simply old,” Gillian Kocher of Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) told The Epoch Times. “Her owner mentioned that she was incontinent.”
Seemingly uninterested in considering medication or other options that might help, the family requested that Netty be euthanized. Understandably, the dog appeared bereft at having been abandoned.
“Her personality was quite sad,” Kocher said, “and she mostly slept in her kennel in the hospital. She’d go for walks, but she was mostly depressed.”
Resolving to do their utmost to find Netty a safe home where she could live out her last days, the PSPCA team launched an appeal. It was not going to be easy; older dogs are much less likely to attract potential adopters.
Describing Netty as a "very low maintenance" dog that can live with other dogs, cats, and also "respectful kids," the shelter shared her story via social media. Fortunately, the response was overwhelming.
It didn't take long before the kindest of families heard Netty’s plight and came forward. Among them was 48-year-old veterinarian Amy Kidd and her husband, from West Chester, Pennsylvania.
The couple—who've pledged to only welcome older dogs, and those with problems, into their home—already had six senior dogs, ranging in age from 12 to 16. When they saw Netty’s face, they just knew they could give her a nurturing environment.
Netty was adopted in August, and the couple’s daughter and two sons went to collect her.
The adorable Netty is now doing great in her forever new home.
Pennsylvania SPCA works 365 days a year throughout the state, rescuing animals from cruelty and neglect and helping rehabilitate those with medical and behavioral needs.
“We are dedicated to our animals for life,” Kocher said. “When [Netty] returned, all we dreamed of was finding her a loving home where she could spend the rest of her days. And so, we went to finding it."
Kocher said that the Kidd family understands that Netty may have accidents. "They have begun swim therapy with her, and she is doing so wonderfully,” Kocher added.
