Smokey, a rescue dog, refuses to leave the house without his elephant toy. His previous owners had to give him up because they lost their home and couldn’t care for him anymore.
On Valentine’s Day, the 5-year-old puppy, Smokey, was surrendered to the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center along with his favorite toy, the plush gray elephant with pink ears, to provide him comfort. Smokey is so attached to his beloved elephant that the shelter put up a sign on his kennel, insisting that he and the toy must be adopted together.
Smokey’s time at the shelter was made more bearable by the presence of the elephant toy. Initially appearing fearful and anxious, Smokey spent a few quiet weeks playing with the toy. Interestingly, Smokey’s fate was hanging by a thread; he was scheduled to be euthanized in March.
One day, two volunteers from the I Have A Dream Rescue Organization arrived at the shelter. Instantly smitten by Smokey, they decided to help him and agreed to find him a foster home.
Ever since he found a new home, the puppy can’t stop smiling. Melissa Sutherland, the treasurer of I Have A Dream, remarked, “He was depressed and used to sleep with his elephant until [the volunteer] started talking to him.” She added, “It’s incredible what rescue does for pets.”