Maddison arrived at NCAL as a young pup with two of her sisters from one of our wonderful rescue partners in Alabama.
The pups were nervous and excited as they were handed off the noisy transport van into the arms of our welcoming animal care staff. They zipped around on the ends of their leashes in the grass, happy to have finally arrived in Vermont.
As the days went on, the bouncy and hopeful sisters were in a row in their kennels, waiting for their turn to be adopted. One day, Maddison caught the eye of an older gentleman who had always wanted a dog but had never had one. He took Maddison home, but unfortunately, he suffered two separate medical events. Each time, Maddison found herself back at NCAL where she was kept safe and loved through our Animal Safety Net program while her owner recovered. She was returned to him both times, she was happy to see him, and him her, but it soon became clear that his home wasn’t going to be her forever. The difficult decision was made that she come back to NCAL once again, but this time, to find a new home.
Back at the shelter, Maddison met some dog friends, a new experience for her, but one she LOVED. She enjoyed bouncing and playing and running free in NCAL’s large play yard. Our dedicated staff and volunteers helped her learn some manners to make her more adoptable, and she starred in a TikTok video. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and her wagging tail and newly found manners were just the thing to catch the attention of a man who had recently suffered a loss.
Having his dog unexpectedly pass away during surgery, he entered the shelter with hope of filling a hole in his life, and found Maddison waiting. She went home with him and they are loving life together. They are hiking mountains, breathing in the crisp fall air, putting dirt under paws and boots, snuggling up in the evenings, and experiencing life to the fullest. Sometimes, you have to have some ups and downs in life to find where you belong. We are so thrilled that Maddison has finally found her HOME.
This Giving Tuesday, your donation can ensure that more dogs and cats have a safe place to land during owner hardships, or when seeking a new human companion. All dogs, cats, and people deserve safety and love, and thanks to you, we can make this happen.
Stay tuned for more “tails of impact” this holiday season—and help us make a difference, one wagging tail at a time!
