Life at Best is Bitter Sweet

Kristyn McEwen, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Humane Society wrote a lovely story (posted below) about Grover on the MJHS website under "Director's Blog". I included this story on my blog as it's the conclusion to a wonderful story which Grover first wrote about on my blog On February 12, 2011. (See February 2011 posts in the Blog Archives, "My Story by Grover").

Grover at the Shelter

Life at best is bittersweet. And it’s the perfect word to use when seeing one of our house animals finds a home. His story is the finest example of what an organization like the MJHS can do. Take a "throw-away" dog, a dog that a lot of other shelter would have put down, and turn that dog around to make him a loving member of a society.

We first met Grover March 2009. He was 10.  His owner had gone in to a senior’s facility and so Grover ended up with us. Grover was lost, confused and scared. This old guy was used to a quiet house, a routine and of course his owner. He wasn’t a fan of other dogs, cats and most people. But we cut this old man some slack. We promised Grover that success was the only solution and that we were going to learn how to help him become unbroken, no matter what. No matter how old he was.

Somehow Grover ended up as my dog. I do believe that just one day decided he had enough of being afraid and he wanted very much to be a pet again. I of course obliged and we have been fast friends ever since. I’m glad I did. Because in Grover I found something very special. I found an amazing soul in there.

The past 2 years have been filled with many adventures for Grover here at the Shelter.  This boy found his inner youth again and began playing with other dogs. Never without a girlfriend, Grover swooned many k-9 females here and of course he met his best friend Heidi. Heidi and Grover shared the title of my office dogs and became familiar faces to hundreds of people that went through our building. Grouchy Grover turned into  a gentle soul that would ask for attention from anyone that would offer it too him.

Heidi and Grover on their fun run!

Knowing that Grover was now 12 years old, we started to talk about where Grover will spend his final years. When we started to have contact with the family that was interested in Grover we know this was the one. Grover is now happy and living out the twilight of his life being loved and cared for.  Grover not only has a doting new mom, he also shares his home with two other k-9 friends and is enjoying every luxury. We’re indebted to Grover’s new family for giving him so much unconditional love and companionship in his golden years.

The feeling of sadness you get when one of your most special dogs leaves isn’t something you can easily share, even with the people the closest to you. It’s very personal and very deep.  And it hurts.  A lot.  But it’s short lived. In the end you feel a pride mixed with that sadness. The realization that you had a part in saving Grover’s life.

 Grover & his toys

Grover Dreaming of his forever home.

Grover ... home at last! Welcome home my sweet boy!

As you can see from Kristyn's story she truly cares about animals. She is a wonderful lady who has made it her life's mission to give animals a second chance they so richly deserve.

*Captions by J. Weintz