After losing her dog Hank, Stephanie began to volunteer at the animal shelter. That’s where she met a quiet dog name Rudy that really needed a new mom.
Rudy, previously known as Tony Pepperoni, had been adopted and then abandoned by the people who had sworn to care for him. He was found wandering the streets by animal control, who returned him to the shelter.
Stephanie took notice of Rudy because he was so quiet sitting in his kennel. He was skinny and infested with fleas. Her heart went out to him so she began taking him for walks, which of course, he adored.
Stephanie began falling in love with Rudy and talked to her husband about adopting him. Her husband asked if she was sure she was ready after losing Hank not long before. Stephanie said she wasn’t sure but she also hadn’t been sure about Hank, who turned out to be an amazing dog.
The couple decided to compromise by fostering to adopt Rudy. On the way to their home, Rudy rested his head on Stephanie’s shoulder during the car ride. But by the next day, Rudy’s paws started itching, and he couldn’t stop licking.
Stephanie called the shelter and found out that Rudy had allergies and needed a novel protein diet. Knowing that he was now needing special care, she was committed to helping him feel better. At that point, it was safe to say, Rudy had found his forever home.
After allergy tests and a food-elimination diet, Rudy gradually got better. But he stayed skinny until after he had a gut microbiome test. After that, he went from 32 pounds to over 50 pounds and was feeling much more energetic.
Rudy has been in his new home for a year and a half but still needs reassurance. When he gets into mischief, he wants Mom to hold his paw and tell him that he’s okay. He is also a clinger who loves to be held by Mom and Dad and loves to follow his mom to the bathroom and have his paw held.
Rudy has helped his mom’s heart heal after losing Hank. He’s taught her a lot about grief and also that she is enough. Due to his health challenges, she’s learned that you can only do your best and that’s okay.
We hope you enjoyed Rudy’s rescue story. We’re so happy for him and his new family. Rudy sure found the perfect home with the people who needed him most. Please feel free to share his story with your friends.
Leave a Reply