What stray pups desire most as they roam the desolate streets is to catch the eye of a compassionate human, hoping to be whisked away to a place of warmth and safety. They yearn for the soothing touch of a human hand, to be cherished and cared for as they rightfully deserve.
The Hope After Rescue
Once rescued and placed in shelters, all dogs cling to the hope of finding their permanent family. They dream of cuddling with their humans, feeling secure, and embracing their newfound happiness. However, it’s heartbreaking to know that in many shelters, the older dogs and those with health issues are often placed on euthanasia lists due to their decreased chances of adoption.
Noodle’s Brush with Fate
Noodle, a gentle stray, found himself in a Detroit shelter, plagued by a degenerative brain condition that led to frequent losses of consciousness and an unsteady gait. Sadly, after his stray hold period ended and no one came forward to claim him or adopt him, a vet recommended euthanasia, scheduled for the following day. Noodle, unaware of his fate, spent what could have been his last night alone in his kennel. Little did he know, a woman with a heart of gold was about to change his destiny.
Saving Noodle’s Life
Tiffany Perkins, the founder of PAWS Friend Network—a sanctuary and advocacy network focused on supporting paraplegic, amputee, wheelchair-bound, and senior shelter dogs—couldn’t shake off thoughts of Noodle after learning about his situation. The very next morning, she rushed to the shelter determined to save his life.
Falling In Love With The Adorable Pup
As soon as Perkins brought Noodle home, it was love at first sight. She felt an instant connection, knowing he was meant to be part of her family. Despite initially not knowing whether Noodle would be a hospice case, she showered him with all the love she could muster, committed to giving him the best life possible. Noodle quickly bonded with Perkins and her other dog, Luke, and they soon became inseparable companions, often comforting each other through cuddles.
Realizing that Noodle was underweight, likely from weeks spent surviving on the streets, Perkins introduced a special diet to help him gain weight and recover his strength. Her efforts paid off as Noodle began to thrive under her care.
A New Lease on Life
The bond between Perkins and Noodle deepened with each passing day. Noodle seized every chance to shower his new mom with kisses, filling her days with joy and affection. Perkins went to great lengths to understand Noodle’s medical condition, learning that his fainting spells were triggered by excitement. Striving to provide a stable and peaceful environment, she made adjustments to her home to accommodate Noodle’s needs. She lowered her bed to help him climb in and out easily and positioned a low couch near the window, allowing Noodle and his canine brother to watch the world go by.
One of Perkins’ greatest joys was seeing Noodle content, observing the rain or simply enjoying the view from his window. These moments of shared tranquility brought immense happiness to their lives.
Noodle Lives A Happy Life
Perkins often took Noodle for walks, and one of their favorite destinations was the beach. Noodle’s eyes would sparkle with happiness, and his face would light up with a big smile as he took in the scenic beach views. Perkins grew to adore Noodle, describing him as “the biggest, sweetest marshmallow.”
During a particularly tough time in her life, following the loss of another beloved pet, Noodle’s presence became a source of profound comfort and healing for Perkins. She credits Noodle’s gentle and sweet nature for helping her navigate through her grief, describing him as a big teddy bear who brought healing to their grieving hearts.
A Forever Home Filled with Love
We are thrilled that Noodle has found a loving forever home where he is cherished as he deserves. His story is a testament to the resilience of the canine spirit and the transformative power of love and kindness.
A Shining Example
Tiffany Perkins deserves immense gratitude for her dedication to increasing the visibility of senior and disabled shelter dogs and for giving Noodle the loving home he had always dreamed of. Her efforts remind us of the impact one person can have in turning around the fate of animals in need, inspiring others to consider adopting those often overlooked in shelters.
