Too often, when you walk into an animal shelter, you will see older dogs that no one has adopted. Sadly, people tend to adopt younger animals. But for one 12-year-old dog dying of cancer, his luck was about to change. Jake had been brought in as a stray just a few short months and no one had looked twice at the dog. The Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento, Calif., said that Jake, in addition to having cancer, bad skin and bad teeth, was also partially blind and deaf, as well.
Jake’s a “good boy,” said Front Street spokesperson Bobby Mann. But due to his age and health problems, “he was overlooked.” That is, until Melani Andrews walked into the shelter. Melanie had recently lost her husband, and then just a short time later, her dog Lola also passed away.
Jake waits for Melanie Andrews on one of his favorite spots to climb onto. Photo courtesy of Andrews
On the advice of her grandchildren, she was at the shelter so she could find a dog to keep her company and that she could dote on. “I was feeling down and a little depressed,” Melani said. “My grandkids came over one night, and they said, ‘Grandma, you need somebody to keep you company. You can’t just sit around here all by yourself.”
So after walking into the shelter, she told staff at the shelter that she wanted “the oldest dog you have, and the one no one wants to adopt.” Immediately they knew just who to introduce her to. The pair got to spend some time together, and Melani said her first thought was that Jake looked “cute.” But it wasn’t long until she made her final choice.
He’s going to come home with me,” she said.
Now, her and Jack’s life has started to help both heal emotionally. And life couldn’t be going better for the pair. The dog, Melani said, loves spending time in the backyard “and tormenting the dog next door through a hole in the fence.” Together, they take short walks around the neighborhood. Afterward, Jake will shove his way into a comfortable blanket and take a nap. Melani has learned what Jake needs to thrive and feel better.
Jake has to curl himself up into a comfy blanket so he can sleep. Photo courtesy of Melanie Andrews
Since his skin is raw, she gives him coconut-infused baths to soothe it. His drinking water is warmed to room temperature to help his sensitive teeth, and his dry food is made softer using chicken broth, so it’s easier to eat. Because his cancer can’t be treated, Melani knows there’s no telling how long she and Jake will have together.
“But he’s going to get a good life living here with me,” she said. “I wanted to give a dog who didn’t have a chance, a chance.” And Jake’s chance is looking better each day. “The way he’s taken a turn around here, I may end up having him for a year — maybe two if I’m really lucky,” Melani said. “But when he goes, I’ll know he went happy.” Just like Melani, there are others out there hoping to give senior dogs another chance at life. For a look at a dog sanctuary that is doing just that, watch below.
