A Journey of Hope: From Abandonment to a Bright Future

 
Subject: A Journey of Hope: From Abandonment to a Bright Future 

Most people know we recently rescued a pup. While downtown Albany, we noticed him frantically looking around. A closer look revealed he was a young fellow, probably less than a year old. There he was—chained to a fence, his paws frozen from salt and ice. Even more heartbreaking was that he was covered in urine and shivering from the cold. Though a little afraid at first, he quickly realized I was there to help.

In that moment, as a dad to two other pups, I didn’t need to make a further assessment. It was clear, without a doubt, this young guy had been abandoned. Pedestrians must have walked by for hours, giving him no attention. He sat there confused, freezing, and still hoping someone would come back. But they never did. No one came back. 

Site of abandonment - Downtown Albany NY

Animal control was advising that dogs like him be left to roam the streets, so that wasn’t an option. We also knew that shelters were overburdened. The aftermath of COVID-19 has left many facilities overcrowded. People who wanted dogs during the shutdown later gave them up once society reopened. Because of this, some shelters have received hundreds of dogs in a single week, which means new arrivals can only be taken in if they’re placed on a one-week euthanization clock. I couldn’t fathom putting this pup in a situation like that. At the same time we were in touch with rescues who do their best to find homes—often with limited resources— so please keep them and their dedicated workers in your prayers as well. Yet there was no immediate solution.  So even the rescues supported our faith to think outside the box. 

From the scene of abandonment, we facilitated transportation to our home in Schenectady. Once there, we discovered hard chips of urine matted into his fur. We gave him his first bath in our home, and the tub water turned completely yellow. His nails were so long he could barely walk on them.

Despite everything, this pup quickly proved how special he is. Within minutes, he was calm, responsive, and willing to follow. He let us scrub him clean, trim his nails, and he even used the bathroom in designated areas—all on his first night! In just a few days, his spirits have lifted, and now he even plays. So, why am I trying to re-home such a special dog?

We have two bulldogs and a 7-month-old adopted son. All are males, and while they show tolerance toward each other, merging all these strong personalities with a young baby is quite a challenge—especially since much of the responsibility would fall on my wife while I work away from home.

Our son, Zion, joined our family through private adoption, and we’ve seen firsthand how these situations can work out beautifully. We believe that for those praying for a family in these times, it’s important to think outside the box, commit, and rely on God’s support. That’s exactly what we’re doing. We’ve been praying for God’s will in this matter, and it’s possible this is the answer to those prayers.

Solution

A wonderful family in Nebraska, part of our Christian network of friends, reached out to us about this pup. They shared their story of fostering a dog from birth, only to have the pup reclaimed after five months. I was deeply moved by the care and dedication they poured into that pup and witnessed firsthand the love and effort they gave.

When we realized we had a pup in need of a home and learned this family was ready and willing to welcome one, it became clear that all we needed was faith.

Since then, we’ve been in regular contact to discuss all the details—medical needs, home dynamics, and the pup’s personality (which is genuinely perfect). He’s attentive, alert, great in both large and small social situations, athletic, and loves spending time outdoors in the yard. He even enjoys gazing out the window. Truly, he’s the textbook definition of a perfect pup.

The only remaining obstacle is the distance between our homes. We’re taking a leap of faith and trusting that, with your support, we can make this journey a reality.

Summary of the Plan

The pup will travel from New York to Indiana with us, where we’ll meet our friend. They will then continue the journey with the pup to Nebraska. Both parties will drive a total of approximately 2,712 miles round trip, requiring one overnight stay to rest and ensure a smooth transition.

Itemized Expense Estimate:

Gas (Total for both cars):

• New York to Indiana: 706 miles (one way) = 1,412 miles round trip
• Nebraska to Indiana: 850 miles (one way) = 1,700 miles round trip
• Combined distance: 2,712 miles ÷ 20 mpg = 136 gallons × $3 per gallon = $408
• Tolls and Miscellaneous: Estimated at $150 for both vehicles.
• Overnight Stay: 1 night for both families at $90 per room × 2 rooms = $180

Total Estimated Cost:

Gas: $408

Tolls/Misc.: $150

Hotel: $180

Total: $738

To account for unforeseen expenses, the total fundraising goal is set at $800, with any excess funds to be used for the pup’s food or vet care in the new home.

Date of Delivery: Dependent on the success of fundraising.

If you would like to donate, please visit our GoFundMe page: 

Thank you for your time and consideration.