Everyone loves a good underdog! Stories of people and animals who have overcome adversity and achieved victory appeal to our compassion and survival instincts. My dog Sueshi was a loser.
Sueshi is a small 3 month old Shih Tzu puppy who was abandoned in a park. She had her ear mites, parasites, kidney problems, and an underbite (which I think is adorable). A good Samaritan who witnessed her “abandonment” brought her to the Virginia Beach SPCA where I adopted her.
I was told that I had one year to live due to kidney dysplasia. Now 8 years old, Sueshi has gone from an underdog to a “wonder dog”!
At Pasadena Humane, we have our own vulnerable (and “underdogs”), from orphaned newborn kittens to abused dogs who come to us with unimaginable trauma.
As an open admission shelter, we accept a variety of animals regardless of age, breed, health, or temperament.
Our veterinary health team goes above and beyond to rehabilitate sick and injured animals and keep them physically and mentally sound throughout their stay. Of course, our goal is to prepare your pet to find a new home.
Most pets are adopted immediately. However, some people experience longer stays. These underdogs often become favorites of staff and volunteers. So it's always special to receive happy updates from adopters.
I would like to share two recent success stories of underdogs. I hope these stories bring joy to your day and maybe even inspire you to bring home your own underdog.
Five-year-old Elfie originally came to Pasadena Humane as a noisy stray dog. Elfie's love for people quickly endeared him to our staff and volunteers, but his energetic and over-the-top personality made it difficult for him to find a forever family. Sadly, Elfie was bounced between nursing homes and shelters for nine months.
Elfie then finds the Moreno family. The Moreno family was looking for a new companion for their dog Tofu, who you may remember from a previous column. The Moreno family, who always favor the underdog, decide to take Elfie back to her home at her adoption trial.
Elfie quickly warmed up to the Moreno family, including Tofu. “He is the sweetest addition to our family,” they shared. “He reminds us that patience and love bring out the best in everyone.”
Ten-year-old Scrunkley was the epitome of bad luck. He arrived at the shelter looking rough, with the scars and battle scars of a cat who couldn't adapt to life on the streets.
Scrunkley also suffered from scabies. Scabies was a painful skin disease that caused sores and missing fur all over the body. Our veterinary team immediately began treatment.
Despite his rather spotty appearance, he caught the attention of the Campos family about a month and a half after arriving at the shelter. Skrunkly, or Skrunks for short, is now always on the side of new “foot rentals.”
Grateful for his loving home, “Señor Skranks” also learns to walk using a harness and goes on trips with his family. He also enjoys spending time outdoors and snuggling up in a cozy cat bed or blanket.
Currently, our local shelters are full of delinquent dogs and cats waiting for homes of their own. You can make a difference by having a new best friend.
If you're not ready to adopt, consider fostering a newborn kitten for a few weeks until it's old enough to be adopted. This tiny kitten requires your utmost care if it is to survive and grow.
For more information on how to help animals in need, visit pasadenahumane.org.
Dia DuVernet is president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.
