It is never easy to separate from someone. This is especially true when the bond is very strong, and what bond is stronger than that between a dog and his two-legged best friend?
But, sometimes, no matter how hard it is, you just have to say “goodbye” for some higher purpose.
Fortunately, there are always good people out there who are able to help and provide the dog with the same love and affection.
And, what is even greater is that there are people who brought that to the next level. Those are the people who create entire organizations that are able to rescue animals that have been discarded or unwanted, providing them with a life of comfort, love, and adventure.
The Saddest “Goodbye”
After traveling for over two years across 49 states to promote dog adoption, Lee Asher finally decided to fulfill his lifelong dream. He created a sanctuary where animals could feel treasured, protected, and free. He called it The Asher House.
After saving so many animals across the country and providing them with the home they truly deserve, he got a phone call from one man whose dog was not wanted anymore.
The story that this man told him was so moving that he decided to act immediately and save the poor dog.
Namely, the dog named Luke had a friend, Lucy, an American bulldog, and they were inseparable.
But, Lucy got cancer and soon died. From that moment, this bloodhound wasn’t the same dog anymore. Before, he was truly a well-behaved and calm dog, but after that, he became very destructive.
The owner and his wife just had a child and, since Luke was behaving badly, it was impossible for the wife and the whole family to keep him in the house anymore.
When Lee and the owner met near Estacada, Oregon, the man was on the verge of tears.
“It was really sad, and you can tell when it is hard for him when you can’t even talk…” Lee said, pointing out that these situations are probably the most difficult ones in the life of a dog owner.
As the last thing the dog will remember him by, the owner put his old bed in the car, which he forced him to climb into with great difficulty. It was their last “goodbye”…
“The Power Of The Universe”
When this 8-year-old boy got to Lee’s sanctuary in Estacada, he was pretty nervous as the other dogs were welcoming him.
It definitely wasn’t a surprise, considering this was such a sudden change for Luke. Lee decided to immediately take him for a walk with other dogs. But, at first, he kept him on a leash so that he could monitor his reaction to the new environment.
Lee decided to take his acclimatization slowly, and that was definitely a good move. Luke was already slowly starting to relax, and Lee could see that this was going to be a great story.
“Be careful what you ask the universe for,” Lee said “I wanted to rescue a bloodhound, and the following week, I rescued three of them, including Luke”.
All of those dogs weren’t wanted anymore, but Lee was determined to give them a second chance.
On the first day, Lee realized that Luke was ready to be taken off the leash. Unlike the two dogs that he rescued a few days earlier, Luke was very engaged with the pack, although he had a tougher transition.
Luke was very aware of his surroundings and some of the dogs he was intrigued by. Lee stated that he was constantly looking for his approval by making eye contact and trying to start communicating.
This was a key sign for Lee that Luke was ready to fit into his new family. This was just one of the reasons why this dog is so special.
Regaining The Trust And Living The Life
After the first day, Luke looked reborn. On day two, he was already happily walking with his new friends.
After just one day of having a loving human, a lot of new friends with whom he could play, and a bunch of free space to channel his tremendous energy, his life turned around.
He was no longer a disgruntled and angry bloodhound, but a cheerful, energetic dog that spread love wherever he appeared.
You can see for yourself how little a dog needs in order to feel like he’s in heaven if you give him even the smallest amount of what he needs.
