After a prolonged wait of 382 days at East Ridge Animal Services, a dog named Blizzard has finally found his forever home, marking a joyful conclusion to his lengthy stay at the shelter in East Ridge, Tennessee.
Staff had shared a video to East Ridge Animal Services’ Facebook page on March 15, which documented the moment. Viewers watched the dog leave the site by car and head towards his new home, after more than one year in the shelter’s care.
“After 382 days at the shelter Blizzard took his FREEDOM RIDE!!! Congratulations Blizzard!!! We wish you all the love and happiness in the world!!! Enjoy your fur-ever home with lots of belly pats and treats,” staff said.
Blizzard, who appears to be a medium-sized dog, had become a familiar face to staff and volunteers at East Ridge Animal Services. His journey through the shelter system was longer than most, but hope never waned for a happy ending.
East Ridge Animal Services
Fortunately, Blizzard left the shelter on a high, and his ride home has been viewed by more than 22,000 Facebook users to date.
The newly adopted dog’s story sheds light on the plight of many animals in shelters across the country who are waiting for their forever homes. The burden that shelters can face if their domestic animals aren’t picked for fostering or adoption is also a cause for concern.
How Can You Support a Rescue Dog?
Everyone wants to rescue a dog from a shelter, but how can you help such a pup settle into the new home that you are giving them? The task can be particularly tricky if the adopted or fostered dog has suffered from neglect, trauma or abuse in one or more of its previous homes.
Courtney Bellew, the founder of HUB Veterinary Group, told Newsweek how new adopters and fosterers can best support their rescues.
“We always recommend new adopters give their rescue dog time to decompress. Give them comfort, structure and balance, but don’t push them or force them into any situation that might make them feel uncomfortable or stressed,” Bellew said.
“We also recommend booking in a vet visit after a few days of settling in, just to make sure that all is well and up-to-date healthwise. Often, if a dog or puppy is not feeling their best, it can change their behavior, making adjustment to their new home even more difficult.
“Besides love, a full belly, a soft bed and some new toys, the best way to make your new rescue dog feel comfortable is by going slow and allowing them time to feel secure and safe,” she added.
Bellew, who also founded Special Needs Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation Northeast (SNARR), said owners should maintain the same routine that the dog had at the animal rescue shelter; a swift change could lead to the animal feeling fearful and nervous.
HUB Veterinary Group operates across the U.S., with key locations from New York to Texas.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to [email protected] with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.