A 13-year-old dog who spent 11 years in an Alabama shelter was adopted on Friday by a couple in Wisconsin. (Source: WMTV)
GREENFIELD, Wis. (WMTV/Gray News) – A 13-year-old dog who spent 11 years in an Alabama shelter was adopted on Friday by a couple in Wisconsin.
Fiona traveled hundreds of miles in search of a family.
She spent 11 years at 2nd Chance Shelter in Boaz, Alabama before being brought to Wisconsin in hopes of finding a forever home.
She was initially brought to Albert’s Dog Lounge in Wisconsin, a rescue that takes in senior, hospice, and special needs dogs.
Vice president of Albert’s Dog Lounge Lindsey Decker said those dogs are often overlooked and are at the highest risk to be euthanized.
Decker said Fiona is only the third dog she’s ever rescued that has spent almost their entire life in a shelter.
After Fiona’s story made headlines, Decker sifted through several adoption applications in search of the right fit. She had a checklist and wanted to find a family who was home often, had other dogs and a fenced yard.
Decker finally found the perfect fit with the Saskowski family, who have previously adopted two dogs from Albert’s Dog Lounge. Fiona makes three.
“I saw her story online and was just so overwhelmed with sadness that she was in the shelter for so long,” Carrie Saskowski said. “And no one would adopt her knowing how sweet she was. It was just so sad to me, and I thought, oh my gosh, could we have the best life together.”
Fiona was brought to the Saskowski family’s house in Greenfield, a home that Decker calls a “retirement village.”
Fiona’s forever home checks all the boxes that Decker was hoping for.
“This glorious yard, dog siblings, pet parents who are just going to love her and give her the best last years of her life. I really couldn’t be happier,” Decker said.
Within minutes of arriving, Fiona began settling into her new home.
“I am so joyful, like my heart is bursting for her,” Decker said. “I’m so excited today. That she has a home like this amazing forever home.”
Saskowski said she hopes Fiona’s story will inspire others to adopt senior pets.
“I really hope that this kind of opens people’s eyes to adopt seniors and to know that they are wonderful pets,” Saskowski said.
Decker agrees.
“Giving them the best last couple years of their life is just a really compassionate choice that you can make. So, don’t overlook the old ones,” Decker said.
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