The newly adopted dog received a “clap” from shelter staff and volunteers before being driven to his new home in a stretch limousine.
EUCLID, Ohio — It was this video that made national news. The Ohio dog was headed to his new home in a limo after spending his 587 days at a shelter awaiting adoption.
Not only was it the best day ever for Chester, but it was also a very happy moment for the dozens of people who helped Chester get to where he is today. To truly understand the joy of this opportunity, you must understand the difficult path that led us here.
Kylie Brickman, kennel manager at Euclid Animal Shelter, said Chester arrived at the shelter on August 10, 2022. It was a day she would never forget.
“Animal control got a call that a dog had been left in an abandoned house,” Brickman said.
There were four dogs in the house, and they were in dire conditions with no food or water. Three of the females were wandering around the house. The fourth person, a man, was chained so tightly that he could not lie down.
“To be honest, if we hadn't rescued him, how long would he have lived? And he walked a few steps, but then he had to be carried away because he was malnourished.” Brickman said.
All four dogs were in poor health, but Chester's path would have been the longest. He was heartworm positive, extremely malnourished and had scabies. Naturally, his spirit was also broken.
“I'm very protective of everything he went through,” Brickman said. “I think whoever was in the shelter that Chester went into that day will be there forever.”
It took about 10 months for Chester's body to heal. He was treated for painful heartworms, recovered from the skin disease, and slowly began to put weight on his frail body. But it will take more time to build his trust.
As the dogs he brought in found homes, Chester discovered life on the outside.
A group of loving and patient volunteers pampered him as best they could. They gradually started taking him out to experience nature, going on hikes and playing in the water. They made sure he had a vacation experience and was well-rounded while spending much of his time in the kennel. They even took him to a hotel for the night, where he wore pajamas and slept on a fluffy bed.
“He never gave up. He was very resilient no matter what he went through,” Brickman added. That included waiting for someone to choose him as time passed and days passed.
In January of this year, Chester got the boost he needed thanks to the Stand Up for Pitt Hope campaign and Northeast Ohio photographer Greg Murray. The SUFP Foundation is his 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to educating, advocating, and saving lives for Pitbull “type” dogs.
SUFP accomplishes its mission through live events, funding, education, and advocacy. We support the rescue of pit bull “type” dogs through fundraising and advertising. It's the cause that brought founder Rebecca Colley and famed Cleveland pet photographer Murray together, and Murray himself is a vocal supporter.
“They're inherently good dogs,” Murray told 3News in January. “As you know, it's not what a dog looks like that's dangerous.”
As part of SUFP's Hope Campaign, Murray and two other photographers in major cities photographed pit bulls from shelters, many of whom had been there for too long. So Ready Pet GO! We were introduced to Chester, who had been at Euclid Animal Shelter for 540 days at that point.
The four dogs Murray photographed for SUFP have since been adopted or adopted by rescue-based adoption groups. We also create short social media videos to bring more attention to our animals.
Murray's attack on Chester on social media was shared widely and was eventually brought to the attention of Lauren Reitman.
“My friend knew I had always wanted a dog and tagged me in a Facebook post,” Reitman said.
After several meetings between Shelter and Reitman at their recently purchased new home, the deal was finalized. Chester and Lauren were a perfect fit. A match made in adoption heaven.
“I think adoption is so important, especially when animals have had such a difficult start in life, because they deserve to be adopted,” Reitman said, fighting back tears. Told.
And she wasn't alone. It was an emotional day for the volunteers who came to say goodbye to the shelter. The animal control officer who removed Chester from the abandoned house was also present. Murray too. Brickman had been hoping that this day would finally come. It truly was a great day, not only for this good boy, but also for the troops supporting him.
“You know, this dog, at one point we didn't even know if it was going to survive, brought people together,” Brickman said.
It's been about 10 days since Chester started his new life. Reitsman keeps us updated. All animals need time to loosen up and get used to new habits. During her first few days, Reitman said, Chester wouldn't let her leave his sight and followed her throughout her house. Now he's calmer and used to her movements, and she seems less anxious.
He enjoys toys and enjoyed packing some of them. He has new pajamas and welcomes visitors into his home, often climbing into the laps of visitors sitting on the couch. On the first night, Reitman pampered him with his homemade meatballs. She also retains the name “Chester”, which he had for a long time. But she also gives him a more royal nickname for special occasions: Chester William Reitman the First of Royalton.
Click here to see more animals available for adoption at Euclid Pet Pets.
