A Foreclosure Dog Named Abby

By isak, September 16, 2011

Meet Abby

She was given up by her family recently because of financial hardship: foreclosure and job loss. Currently, she is being fostered by the woman who is fostering Abby’s feline companions from the same household.

I cannot imagine what emotions must go into making the decision where the best you can do for your beloved pets is to give them up. These are often “family members” who have been part of the family unit for many years. How terrible this must be for the decision maker? And what must it be like for the pet?

Especially hard for me are the stories of those whose family was so desperate that they turned their pet in to a shelter believing that this was the best solution. In so many cases, this is a death sentence for the animal (you can read some of the reasons animals are killed in shelters here). So it becomes ever more important that we, as a community of pet lovers, step up to help out before a family member is destroyed simply because of family hardship. It’s just not their fault and they should not pay the ultimate cost of it.

That said, today I received the following email and I want to share it with you.

ABBY is a sweet ole gal of about 12 years old.  She has short hair and she is a Terrier/Shepherd mix. She is a very sweet little female, and a very loving and wonderful companion. Abby weighs around 38 lbs. and has clean brown/black fur.

Abby’s people lost their home due to foreclosure and loss of jobs. They had to give up Abby and her 3 cat companions. Abby has been moved around a lot during the last couple months. She is very sweet and loving, but is confused about what is going on. Abby has been to the vet, is negative on heartworms and is spayed and had a dental cleaning. She is current on all shots and even had a complete blood panel which was excellent.

She spent her first night in her new and wonderful foster home last night. In bed with them! She is feeling better today and will gain confidence every day as we search for her forever home.

Please step up and adopt this sweet baby. If you cannot adopt her right now, please share her story with your friends and family because I know there is a place for her.

Breed: Terrier/Shepherd Mix
Location: Charlotte, NC
Sex: Female
Age: 12
Description: Hi, my name is Abby. My people had our home foreclosed out from under us. My Dad lost his job and we all had to go live somewhere else. I’ve lived several places now and I don’t understand really why. I am a very sweet doggie and only want to make my people who will adopt me happy. I’m a great companion. Can you please help contribute to my expenses so I will have a better chance of being adopted? Please contact my helper below if you can spare a few bucks for me or you are interested in learning more about me. Woof Woof!!
Contact: Melba Tarlton
Phone: 704-589-1505
Email: melbatarlton@yahoo.com


Download Abby’s flyer


UPDATE: I received word late this evening (Sept. 16, 2011) that Abby will be losing her foster home very soon. Her foster’s apartment complex has a 2-pet limit and Abby is #3. We are urgently seeking a new foster, or better yet, a forever home for Abby. Please help… adopt, foster or share her story to all your friends and family.

14 Comments

  1. Ashley says:

    I am so happy to read that Abby has found a loving home. With today’s economy many pet owners cannot afford to take care of their pets any more. Last year my family adopted a 6 month old golden retriever. The man that had her was going to kill her but a neighbor took the dog from him and brought her to our local humane society. She is such a sweet girl. I couldn’t imagine life without her.

  2. Roena B. says:

    The adoption events were unfortunately uneventful and Abby came home with me. Melba and I agreed that until she had a PERMANENT home, I would foster this sweet girl even if it meant forever. A lovely vet tech came to see Abby but was unable to offer a permanent home. Enter a fantasic guy who visited Abby Monday evening. I was so impressed by his earnest desire to give Abby a real home that, after discussion with Melba, Abby was released to his forever care. It is a true testament to the concept that everything has a time and place. We are thrilled that Abby is happy in her new home with her new dad, his blind and deaf 18 year old Maltese and a cat. Life is good!!!

  3. Jennifer says:

    Does Abby need a home with no other pets? I have seen her story posted a few times, and can consider fostering her, it sounds like she is in a serious bind. I currently have a 2 year old, high energy pit mix, who loves other dogs but may be too much for Abby?

  4. Lou Tabor says:

    I know that my home may not be the first choice for Abby, because there are other dogs here. She is probably just confused and needs a stable, permanent home. Right now, she doesn’t know what her position in the household is and she is trying to find out. Please let me know if you are still looking for a home for this little girl.

    • isak says:

      Abby is going to some adoption events over this weekend. I haven’t heard the outcome of those events yet, but perhaps you can contact Melba to see what the latest is.

  5. Anita says:

    Could u possibly get transport to or near Nashville, TN?

  6. ann says:

    I have cross-posted Abby on FB with various rescuers in NC. Maybe nothing will come of it, but she is a sweet old soul. I also posted her to a Golden Seniors group.

    • isak says:

      Many thanks! All it takes is one good person to step up and offer her the home she deserves, so I am grateful to you for sharing her story. I KNOW there is a place for her! We just have to keep looking.

  7. Jessica says:

    I would strongly recommend that Melba contact retirement homes and assisted living communities to place the cats. They are usually very animal friendly and will allow people to post on their boards for those that will consider adoption. Many senior centers have resident felines and it truly is a win-win situation.

  8. C Fetterman says:

    What about the cats? Can they all be adopted together? Don’t know that I can help, but I want to know.

What do you think?

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