Oahu SPCA believes that adopting an older dog can be highly rewarding, as demonstrated by the heartwarming journey of Pirate, a senior dog who waited nearly a decade for a family in Wahiawa, Hawaii.
Pirate arrived at the Oahu SPCA and, despite her gentle nature, spent seven years without anyone showing interest in adopting her. As time passed, her face became grayer, and Pirate seemed to lose hope of ever finding a home.
The main reason potential adopters overlooked her was her age, a common challenge for older dogs, according to Amanda Villeme, the shelter’s Executive Director.
Despite the care from the shelter staff, Pirate grew weary of her environment, her spirit dimming over the years. This all changed when Jennifer Shaffer and her husband, Dennis, moved to Hawaii due to military commitments.
Even though they initially decided against adopting a pet immediately after relocating, Jennifer felt drawn to Pirate after seeing her picture online.
“Her gray face and those endearing ears just spoke to my heart,” Jennifer shared, reflecting on her initial reaction to Pirate’s photo.
Jennifer visited the shelter the next day, catching the staff by surprise. Pirate had waited so long for someone to show interest in her, and Jennifer’s presence was a welcome surprise.
“Is it really our Pirate that you want to see?” the staff wondered, showing just how often she had been overlooked.
Touched by Pirate’s plight, Jennifer decided to offer her the love and comfort she deserved. Although Jennifer and Dennis hadn’t settled into their new home yet, Jennifer made it her mission to visit Pirate every day until they could bring her home.
For two months, Jennifer spent time with Pirate daily, making sure the senior dog felt loved and remembered.
When the couple finally moved into their home, Jennifer and Dennis fulfilled their promise to Pirate, bringing her home from the shelter, ending her long wait for a family.
Pirate’s transition was nothing short of remarkable. A once dejected dog, she became lively and joyful, earning the affectionate nickname “old lady baby” from her new family.
She embraced every new experience wholeheartedly, from feeling the sand beneath her paws at the beach to having her first experience of playful zoomies. Each moment was treasured, showing there was plenty of life left in her, despite her age.
Jennifer expressed how rewarding it was to witness Pirate’s transformation, noting, “It changed our lives to see hers change. All she needed was a family.”
For two cherished years, Pirate lived out her days experiencing unconditional love with Jennifer and Dennis. She became Jennifer’s “puppy soulmate,” leaving a profound impact on both their lives.
When Pirate passed away, it was a day before Jennifer and Dennis’s wedding. Though bittersweet, Jennifer felt that Pirate’s spirit remained with her. She now keeps Pirate’s memory alive on Instagram, sharing their journey with Pirate Marie.
“She was the best girl, truly my soul girl,” Jennifer fondly recalls.
Pirate’s story underscores the profound joy and love senior dogs can bring and highlights the importance of giving older animals a chance to be cherished members of a family.
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