Hilda, a black Labrador retriever who is deaf and blind in the right eye, was abandoned at a municipal shelter in Durham Region at 11 years of age.  Although her situation was grim,Hilda’s good nature and gentle spirit never wavered.  Each morning when the staff came in her tail wagged feverishly as she gave them her good morning greeting.  After her ‘stray’ time was over, the manager knew it would be hard to find Hilda a new home, but despite her age and hearing and sight disabilities she put her up for adoption in hopes of someonecoming in and seeing just how wonderful Hilda was.  Sadly, Hilda was passed over time and time again.  In early February the shelter manager e-mailed Speaking of Dogs Rescue to ask if  Hilda could be taken into rescue.

After meeting Hilda who could ever say no?

Hilda went into her foster home without incident and quickly became part of the family.  She was taken to the veterinarian and given a thorough check over.  Despite a few lumps and bumps and a slight ear infection, Hilda was in great shape for her age. After about a week in her foster home, Hilda went onto the Speaking of Dogs Petfinder site and as well, her picture and story was e-distributed to over 300 doggy folks.

Shortly after the posting went out, we received a call from a young woman who worked at a dog daycare.  It seems the owner of the daycare had printed out Hilda’s picture and story and posted it on their bulletin board.  The young woman was calling to see if Hilda had been adopted and if not, she and her family were very interested in offering her a home.  Their dog, a 12 year old chocolate Labrador, was sociable with other dogs, a bit arthritic and slightly hard of hearing.  She felt Hilda and him would be a good team as both dogs had comparable exercise and ‘napping’ needs, as well as other age related similarities. 

After the usual adoption process (application and references) had been completed, a date was made for the home check and meet and greet. 

When we arrived at the home, Hilda walked right up to the front door as if to say “I have arrived”.  Once the initial greetings had been exchanged (between both humans and dogs) we decided to take Hilda’s leash off so she could better explore and interact with the family.  Much to everyone’s delight, Hilda made herself right at home and discovered the door to go outside.  She stood by the door, gave a nod and a woof and was promptly let outside to check out the very large, fenced back yard.  We watched from the window as she seemed to be taking it all in.  It must have met with her approval as soon after, she began playing in the snow and romping around like a young pup.  After visiting for quite some time, we all knew that Hilda was meant to become part of this wonderful family.  But no one knew better than Hilda because when we went to see where she had toddled off to, she was napping in the middle of the living room!

Hilda now lives in Markham Ontario where she is much loved and doted upon.  In fact, Hilda now sports a new wardrobe that includes a florescent pink bandana and collar to match.  Lookin’ good Hilda!!