News Article

Teddy Bear

07/31/2009 -

Teddy Bear, a 2 year old male white Australian Shepherd mix canine, deaf since birth, has been available for adoption since March 2, at Suncoast Humane Society. During his 5 months stay, he has been walked daily by volunteer dog walkers, petted and played with by the staff and considered by many families looking to adopt a new pet. However, he was always passed over in lieu of puppies, or younger dogs, as opposed to Teddy Bear with his special needs.

Each day the staff and volunteers would assure Teddy that today is the day, today someone will see you for who you are, and not for what you don’t have! Days turned into weeks and months and Teddy Bear waited and waited.

It seems that this special canine had finally found a home with winter Suncoast Humane Society volunteer dog walkers, Peter and Betty Burkholder, who had returned to Connecticut for the summer and just couldn’t get Teddy out their minds or hearts after walking him throughout the winter. At last in was thought that Teddy’s prayers had been answered but, then there was the dilemma of how to get him up north in the least stressful way possible. One of Suncoast Humane Society’s volunteers and a former pilot answered the plea for help with Teddy Bear. Terry Shortt arranged for Teddy Bear’s flight to Connecticut, an escort and is personally transporting Teddy to the airport. Teddy will leave his life here at Suncoast Humane Society and head north via Fort Myers, for new adventures in New England.

The Burkholders hope to work with Teddy Bear and eventually have him evaluated as a Pet Therapy dog. ”Suncoast Humane Society staff and volunteers never gave up on this special needs dog and neither would anyone who heard his story” stated Phil Snyder, Executive Director. It truly does take a village sometimes to make great things happen and one very special former pilot to see that it all comes together.

Click here to view the news story that appeared on SNN News 6.

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