Natural disasters like hurricanes cause havoc in more ways than one. Not only are homes destroyed and human lives endangered, but animals also find themselves displaced. Some are separated from their families, while homeless creatures find themselves in grave danger.
When Louisiana was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, hundreds of dogs were rescued and needed a place to stay in. Many have been sent to various shelters all over the country. Some of them were returned to their owners, while others got adopted.
Some though have languished in shelters for a long time, just like a mixed-breed dog named Dodger.
Waiting for a long time
The friendly and adorable pooch was around four years old when the hurricane destroyed the home of his owners. He got separated from them, and they never got the chance to reunite. When Dodger was rescued, he was sent to the state of New York and taken in by the North Fork Animal Welfare League.
Dodger became an instant favorite with the shelter staff. He was very sweet, and playful. But he had to get to know a person first before he could show his affectionate side. He is timid with strangers, and the shelter offered a lot of them.
That is why the staff persistently searched for a good home for him. Sadly though, the years came and went, and no one adopted him. He needed a home that didn’t have a lot of activity, especially those that have strange people coming regularly for visits. Plus, he is not very good around small kids and other dogs.
This limited his family options.
Beloved shelter resident
Dodger soon became the shelter’s longest-staying resident, also the most beloved. All the volunteers and staff members adored him. Even though they were sad that he couldn’t find his own family, they were happy to have him around.
Sadly though, Dodger never got the chance to get a forever home. He passed away after leaving the shelter for 11 years.
Source: The North Fork Animal Welfare League via Facebook
