From Shelter to Soulmate – Casey’s Story

Casey was found by animal control officers in a cage in a garage where he had been for many months. Banished to this dark prison when his owner’s girlfriend became allergic to him, day after day he suffered in silence. Casey was in terrible shape. The officers took him to a local shelter and the shelter contacted Brookline.

The Brookline volunteers that came to evaluate Casey gasped when they first saw him. One of the veteran volunteers said she had never seen a dog so bad. Casey was severely underweight, his skin was scarred and without much fur, his eyes and his face were bruised. His ears infected. He could barely walk. With so many dogs in high-kill shelters, the odds were against him.

Despite the physical signs of neglect and abuse, Casey’s tail never stopped wagging during his evaluation. Maybe he knew these kind ladies had come to rescue him. And, thanks to Brookline, on this cold and snowy night, that’s exactly what happened: Casey was indeed rescued.

Casey had many obstacles to overcome before adoption. Spending so much time in a cage, his muscles had severely atrophied. Walking was difficult and climbing stairs was impossible. His skin was raw. His eyes were crusted.
Fortunately, Brookline has a wonderful relationship with a local boarding site where Casey was cared for by trained medical technicians. What Casey needed next, however, was a real home. Still in rough shape, a Brookline volunteer saw the promise in this 10-year-old, broken, yellow lab and graciously took him in and fostered him.

Being in a loving foster home, Casey’s true personality emerged. With regular veterinary care, he began to heal from his physical abuse. With kindness, the emotional trauma of isolation lessened. He welcomed the care of his foster mom, and, in return, Casey came to love his human foster family.

Casey grew stronger each day and his foster mom knew it was time for him to find his forever home: one where he could continue to heal, continue to be loved, and continue to live the life he was meant to live. After many months in the care of Brookline, Casey was ready for adoption.

Casey was adopted by experienced dog parents who followed his story on social media. “I kept being drawn into Casey’s story” said new mom, Laura. “We were blown away at the level of care and concern shown by Brookline.” Casey now has dog siblings and a fenced yard and gets plenty of playtime and exercise. No longer cold and isolated, he sleeps in a warm bed close by Laura and Rob every night. They can’t imagine their home without him. “It is like he was always meant to be here with us,” Laura said. “Casey found his forever home and we are so grateful!” Most importantly, thanks to Brookline, Casey beat the odds. From shelter to soulmate, he made it.