ASPCA Happy Tail: Old Dog, New Tricks

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 - 10:45am
Black dog laying down outside

When Britney came to the ASPCA through the Humane Law Enforcement department, she was in pain and suffering from multiple untreated conditions.

Fortunately, the veterinary staff at the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital was able to nurse Britney back to health, and eventually she became available for adoption; we could finally find a home for this sweet dog who had suffered so much.

We knew it would be a challenge.

Statistically speaking, animals who are black, large or senior, as well as those who take medication or can’t live with other animals, usually spend more time waiting for homes. Britney was all of these things, and to make matters worse, she didn’t engage much with adopters who passed her habitat, preferring to rest quietly.

Still, we knew that the right person would come for Britney, and to speed things along, we spread the word about this special canine. After seeing Britney’s picture and reading about her, Kevin Bechard tells us, “I wanted to snatch her right up.”

A few days later Bechard was going above and beyond to help Britney settle in to her new home in suburban Connecticut.

“The first couple nights I actually slept on the floor with her because she can’t do stairs, and she would just reach out with her paw and make sure it was against me,” he recalls. “Only then she would allow herself to go to sleep. If I moved away a little bit, her eyes would open.”

The love and comfort of a forever home has revived Britney, who has blossomed into a trusting and happy pup: Bechard reports that at his house Britney loves romping outdoors and goes on multiple nature walks a day. 

In return, Bechard has gained a new best friend who, he says, never required house-training or manners instruction, thanks to her age. “I wish more people would consider older dogs,” Bechard says. “I was open to anything, but I was so pleasantly surprised.”

To read more happy endings, check out our Happy Tails archive.

Tags: 
Adoption

Comments

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 06:53 — mary (Visitor)
GREAT STORY! She looks exactly like my 16 year old lab/chow, that passed away four years ago. I would have adopted her in a second!!!!!!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 08:40 — Bill Casey (Visitor)
You've done a truly wonderful thing!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 09:40 — Ciara (Visitor)
God bless you 2!!!! I am so glad she found a great home who will care for her as she deserves!!!! Rescues are the best they really appreciate a home!!! I am a shelter volunteer and a proud rescue mom and am very thankful of people like you who can take care of the in the ways they need. I would adopt older dogs in a heartbeat if I had more room and time. My rescue puppy takes up quite a bit of it but I wouldn't trade her for the world! My grandparents adopted an older dog and they say they wish he wasn't so old because he is such a great dog and wish they had more time with him! GO RESCUE DOGS and again god bless you for saving this deserving girl!!!!!!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 09:52 — Cate (Visitor)
We always adopt older pets and pets with disabilities and I think they are the best, most loving, wonderful pets with great personalities. I can't say nough good things about them and, of course, wish more people would give them a chance.

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 10:01 — Gina (Visitor)
OMG, I am in tears, what a happy ending and you couldn't ask for a better one. It sounds like now she i living again and i hope she has many more years to come..Good luck Kevin and Britney

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 10:08 — Liz (Visitor)
I actually saw Britney in her kennel at the ASPCA when I visited. She was very shy and seemed forlorn to me. I could not adopt her but I hoped with all my heart that some wonderful person would come along and see how beautiful she was. Kevin, you are a good person and a blessing to this magnificent dog. I know that she will bless you, too, with love and devotion. May you have many, many years of fun and sweetness together. Very special "Happy Tails" story!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:06 — joanne aube (Visitor)
You're a very lucky man!!! I, too, adopted a lab (yellow lab, 5yrs old at the time, now a happy eight-year-old) who also had to sleep with me, like yours. Jade is the love of my life!!! my constant companion, who spends her days playing ball, tug of war, and taking care of her Mummy! I think people should wake up and smell the coffee! You did! Older dogs are not only trained and housebroken, but they exude sooooo much more love and affection and appreciation: they've come through bad times and have endured to get to us, where they belong! and gratefully, in many ways bestow on us the special love and thankfulness experience has given them. Much love to Brittany, from Jade.

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 12:48 — Patty Gambardella (Visitor)
Kevin,this shows that you have a heart of gold and filled with lots of love that you will get back ten fold from Britney. There is no better love than from a dog who shows you every day no matter how they are feeling how very much they love you. Here is wishing you both many, many years of love and treasured memories.

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 13:19 — Luciane (Visitor)
I loved Brittney's story. She deserved that kind of love, and she finally has it. Only if more people could understand how great an old dog is!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 13:29 — Cherrie Hill (Visitor)
Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 14:07 — Dave and Rita Cross (Visitor)
Kevin, What a wonderful guy you are! You do know that you are blessed for loving and caring for animals, especially Britney! We hope she has several good years ahead of her in your loving care!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 15:37 — Jessica Procopio (Visitor)
I would like to extend a huge 'thank-you' from all dog lovers to Kevin...I truly hope more people will see this and give these fabulous dogs a forever home. I never understood the love and joy that a dog can give a family until we adopted our girl last October; now she is the biggest part of our lives and we couldn't imagine our world without her!! Again, kudos to you Kevin...wishing you guys all the love and happiness possible!!! Great story :)

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 15:39 — Becky (Visitor)
God bless you Kevin for becoming Britney's champion!!!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 15:39 — Pam (Visitor)
I have always adopted older black dogs. They are the sweetest, neatest dogs ever. There is a wonderful book called "Old Dogs Are The Best Dogs" by Gene Weingarten and Michael S. Williamson. It's filled with beautiful photos and stories of older dogs. I tell anyone who has never considered adopting an older dog to seriously consider it. There is no better feeling than giving an older dog who has been through so much a happy safe place to spend their later years and no greater love than what they will give back.

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 21:13 — jennifer savino (Visitor)
So True! Thank you!!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 17:39 — Olivia (Visitor)
My sweet Siamese, Sugar Plum, is now 18-1/2 yrs. old. I make a special vitamin mix for her every morning. She asked me not to let my husband put her down, and I have promised her she will live out every day that God gives her, as long as I myself am alive.

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 17:46 — David (Visitor)
God bless you both.

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 20:56 — Mary Lou Hanley (Visitor)
Kevin, that is wonderful! I have no doubt that both you and Britney will feel like just the luckiest person/fur-person for the rest of her fabulous life!

Sat, 09/29/2012 - 21:12 — jen (Visitor)
I love older dogs too. I adopted a dog named Sable with medical conditions and takes medication twice a day. She is so loving and always wants to be close to me. I think adopting an older dog is great. She's house trained with great manners and you can truly se they appreciate their new home! Congrats!!!

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 00:13 — Jennifer A. Malik (Visitor)
My husband and I love "older dogs".....We like to give them a comfy retirement ....;0)

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 11:20 — Liz (Visitor)
When I saw Britney at the ASPCA when I visited, she was sad and withdrawn. She could barely lift her head (or had no interest in lifting her head) off the blanket. Now here is Britney's new photo and just look at her!!!!! Head held high with pride, outdoors amongst the grass and trees and fresh air that she seems to be relishing. She looks like a brand new doggie - content, loved, flourishing. Kevin, you are a good man and Britney is a great dog. Your story with Britney is inspiring and revelatory and moving.

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 15:39 — Andrew W. Matheson (Visitor)
Sun. - Sept 30th, 12, 13:25 Hrs. M.D.T. Hi Everyone, These Stories are Touching and so Valueable. The Carpenters in the Early 70s had a Song - "Bless the Beasts and the Children". Its My Views that the "Great One" Will ALWAYS Bless Those that Give His "Furry Associates" the "LOVING HOMES" They so Rightfully Deserve and Those Blessings Go Both Ways to Those That Love Their Furry Associates and the Blessings Their Furry Associates Give Back. My Those Who Adopt Cats or Dogs B Truly Blessed By the Great One Above. Thanks, Andrew.

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 15:56 — Donna (Visitor)
The first hurdle in adopting older pets is knowing that -- in general -- you'll lose them sooner than younger ones. But when I lost a young DoberBoy (just 2 years old) to a very aggressive bone cancer, I understood that there are really no guarantees. I couldn't delay my grief by choosing a younger dog. I have a physical disability that prevents me from handling very young dogs with lots of energy. So a more mellow, older adult dog is usually perfect for me. Cheers to everyone who adopts an older companion animal!

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 17:19 — Valerie (Visitor)
It warms a persons soul to know there is kind gentle people who care.

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 17:25 — Juanita (Visitor)
Way to go in adopting her!!!!!!! You're a good man!!!!! Older dogs/cats are just as good as the younger ones, time may be short but the relationship will be awesome & rewarding for both animal & owner. Love, love this story!!!!!!!! Now I gotta find the hankies!!!!

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 17:41 — Marsha Cummings (Visitor)
God bless you, Kevin...it warms my heart every time I hear about kind, loving people such as yourself. Britney is a very lucky little girl, and I know she has blessed your life as well. May God be with both of you forever.

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 22:07 — Jamie Ledbetter (Visitor)
I also adopted a beautiful senior Cocker Spaniel who had been severely abused and neglected. My family enjoyed every day we had with him. It was an honor to be able to finally provide a forever home for Joe. I wish you much happiness together. You are a very kind person! Jamie

Sun, 09/30/2012 - 23:38 — analia nodarsr (Visitor)
I've cried tears of joy and I thank you for been am angel to these loving creatures that need us much and give us so much love and loyalty in return.

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 01:08 — Jagdish Mittal (Visitor)
An example of nearness, affection and love between human and animals

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 01:08 — Jagdish Mittal (Visitor)
An example of nearness, affection and love between human and animals

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 09:06 — Jackie Mason (Visitor)
Kevin, you're a human angel. I wish more would see what wonderful companions older dogs make. I also believe she is an angel, too; you're life will forever be richer because of her. A wonderful story; I hope you have a long, long time together.

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 09:53 — Nina (Visitor)
What a heart warming story. You must be a really good person, Kevin and Britney is so fortunate....you BOTH are! I hope you are also good at spotting ticks on an old black, girl like her so she has many more years of good health...Lyme-free.

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 11:48 — Pat (Visitor)
Thank you Kevin for giving Britney a 2nd chance in life and a forever loving home. She will repay you a thousand times over for your generous heart. I too encourage people to adopt senior dogs, they have so much love to give.

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 13:55 — Marguerite (Visitor)
What a beautiful story. It's ashame people pass up older dogs. Just think of all the puppy training you can pass on.. =] Best to both of you.xoxo

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 14:00 — Jackie Davis (Visitor)
Thank you for caring and sharing your home with her. They give so much and ask so little. Jackie

Tue, 10/02/2012 - 00:02 — Wayne (Visitor)
Great going i have three rescued dogs . They make the best pets . may godbless you for your love of this wonderful dog. semper fi Wayne .

Wed, 10/03/2012 - 01:03 — Susanna (Visitor)
I have tears in my eyes right now. Wow, Kevin, thank you for being such a great guy. I didn't believe anyone like this was out there anymore

Thu, 10/04/2012 - 09:05 — Brenda (Visitor)
Thank you Kevin for seeing beyond Britney's age and health issues and bringing her into your life and loving her. Seniors are so often left behind. We have adopted several seniors over the years and have found them to be wonderful and loving family members. Our latest two are a 12-15 yr old Yorkie found on the streets. We named him Alf. He has a multitude of health issues but he sure has come a long way in several months. We also adopted a toy Poodle, Peaches, whose mom had to go to an assisted living apt. and was unable to take her. She is 12 yrs old. They are both the loves of our lives. I will continue to adopt Seniors or Special Needs dogs as they have a special place in our hearts.

Sun, 10/07/2012 - 20:29 — Paula (Visitor)
Congrats Kevin! Senior dogs are wonderful and as important, adoption rules ! All of my animals are rescues and never for a second have I regretted the pleasure of having been saved by them

Sun, 10/14/2012 - 16:52 — Marie Brygider (Visitor)
So happy to hear Britney got a 2nd chance!

Sun, 10/14/2012 - 16:52 — Marie Brygider (Visitor)
So happy to hear Britney got a 2nd chance!

Mon, 10/15/2012 - 16:00 — Sue Tassoni (Visitor)
thank you so much for doing this for her. she's been through so much & because of you she can experience that NOT ALL PEOPLE are bad! THANK YOU!

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 15:24 — Michelle (Visitor)
Congratulations on your dog!! I have had many older dogs and each and every one has made me a better person. They have many lesson to give and teach us. When I am going through some very tough times I will think of all the inspirational stories and unconditional love these very special senior ambassadors brought with them. They never gave up no matter how much they were hurting or what the odds were. They have all gone to the Rainbow Bridge now but I know in my heart that I have some very special angels on my shoulders and next to me! Today I have two very special middle aged Maltese rescue dogs in my life. When I am able to add or help another senior I will be very happy to do so.

Sat, 10/20/2012 - 06:38 — Kristen (Visitor)
I always root for the older dogs! I also adopted a senior and she is such a delight. This story pulls at the heart strings. There are humans that are truly guardian angels,like this Mr. Bechard. Mr. Bechard, I hope that you read this and are aware of the good that you did for Britney. It would be a better place for humans and dogs if the world had more people like you.

Tue, 10/30/2012 - 15:41 — samantha (Visitor)
that is one brave dog i wish i could have one of those <3

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