A family was left with a heart-wrenching decision when their baby developed severe allergies to their dog, Doris, who had been with them since she was a puppy. They were forced to choose between the baby’s health and the dog they loved, resulting in Doris, a 9-year-old French Bulldog, being surrendered to a shelter. Laura Galloway from Dog Ranch Rescue, located in Anna, Texas, spoke about the distressing situation to Newsweek.
Dog Ranch Rescue, established in 2014, specializes in caring for French Bulldogs. The organization has assisted dogs from local shelters, strays, and puppy mills over the years. Its primary mission is to restore dogs to good health and find them permanent homes. Since its inception, the shelter has successfully rehomed over 2,000 dogs. Despite this impressive record, the journey to finding a home isn’t always smooth. For example, an American pit bull named Drogo was returned to the Austin Animal Center after spending just one week with a new family.
Doris’s case posed unique challenges. She wasn’t particularly sociable with other dogs, and potential adopters had to recognize the special care older dogs require. Galloway emphasized that while the sanctuary took excellent care of its animals, it wasn’t a replacement for a real home. Doris spent several months in their care as the team searched extensively for the right fit.
The search for Doris’s new home took an unexpected turn when Clarissa Cardenas, a young woman in her early 20s, approached Dog Ranch Rescue with an application to adopt Doris. Galloway initially had reservations due to Cardenas’s age. However, her interactions with Cardenas dispelled any doubts. Cardenas showed an understanding and maturity beyond her years, especially regarding the responsibilities of adopting an older dog.
Clarissa, a resident of San Antonio, informed the rescue team about her trip to Colorado and expressed her desire to visit the ranch during her journey. Upon meeting, Galloway immediately sensed that Cardenas would be an ideal pet owner. She was impressed by the young woman’s wisdom and maturity. Doris’s reaction to Cardenas was a clear indicator of their compatibility; she was overjoyed.
The story had a fairy-tale ending with Clarissa taking Doris with her on her vacation. Once the trip concludes, the French bulldog will settle into her new home with Cardenas. Celebrating the successful adoption, Galloway posted on Facebook about Doris’s newfound happiness, highlighting that she no longer had to wait in the shelter’s lobby. The joy of this fresh start was evident in a photograph shared alongside the post. In the image, Doris was seen smiling gleefully, capturing the essence of her newfound happiness.
