You may remember the video of two very scared dogs who were dumped on our laneway, in September, and left for our team to find as they drove away that night from an already overflowing sanctuary. But, as usual, we juggled around and found space for them. Already let down by humans, we were not going to allow it to happen to them again. We named them Aston and Villa and they began their journey with us.
Aston was a confident, loving boy and a true gentleman, whilst Villa being quite young was untrusting and wary. As we got to know Aston it was obvious to see this boy was very special and we knew he would make someone so happy and bring joy and love into their lives. Our kennel manager knew exactly who needed Aston the most to help fix his broken heart.
Tony has been a loyal supporter of GalwaySPCA for many years. He adopted his beloved boy Teddy (was Heinz) from us quite a few years ago and was always popping into us with donations, treats, toys and of course Teddy came along riding shotgun in Tony's camper van. Sadly, Teddy passed away suddenly in 2024 and it broke his dad's heart. But that didn't stop him continuing to deliver donations to our kennels, now done in Teddys memory.
Ringing Tony our kennel manager said "I hve someone here i think you need to meet, I cant explain it but I know he was meant to be yours" A tentative Tony arrived and we could see he was half thinking of not getting out of his van, the pain of losing his best friend was still too raw. We gave him no option and landed Aston out on top of him and quietly said "Go for a walk, just the two of you".
The Tony's that came back up our driveway was the old Tony. He had the biggest smile on his face and tears in his eyes but we knew that his heart was already starting to mend.
It has been some weeks since Aston, now Marvin left us, sitting in the front of Tony's campervan, just like Teddy before him did, and that joy only a dog can bring etched all over Tony's face.
Adopting a rescue dog isn't just about the dog in question (though, undoubtedly, it's our priority), it is also about the human and when you get the match right, There's really no feeling to touch the one you feel knowing the love you have brought into both their lives.
Marv has settled in as though he has always lived with Tony, Jen and their little ex GSPCA Bischon girl but Aston still gets priority seating next to his dad Tony and we hear a trip to Europe is on the cards for next year (a boys only trip).
We know Teddy would be smiling down on his Dad, delighted to know that he has found love again and, Tony, thank you for believing in us and adopting again.
GalwaySPCA., healing broken hearts.
