Essay #3: The following story is a reflection piece from my experience as a dog walker at the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter, in Bridgewater, NJ.
Romeo (by Eve Campeau and Nina Bielli)
Romeo, Romeo, Romeo, so aptly named is this 80-pound handsome four-legged hunk. But, Romeo’s story was not always so romantic and charming.
Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
I had just started volunteering at the shelter in July 2023 and Romeo had already been there for 10 months. He had these soulful eyes that immediately melted my heart. People would stop at his run inside the shelter to comment on what a beautiful dog he is. A young girl would visit the shelter every now and then just to see him and ask to take him for a walk. Every staff member loved this silly boy. It made me wonder: why hasn’t he been adopted yet?
Well, because it was a little complicated….
Find out what's happening in Bridgewaterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
When Romeo first arrived at the shelter, he had a difficult time adjusting. He had been living in a car with his human and another dog. Romeo’s skin and fur were a mess and he was grossly underweight. His GI tract was sensitive to the standard proteins in most dog foods and he lost even more weight. He was extremely stressed and barked frantically at every dog that walked by. At a foster placement, he chewed up furniture when left alone. Oh, Romeo.
Over time, the staff did what they do best – figure out what was going to get him healthy, work patiently to train him, and simply love on him. With the help of Prozac to reduce his anxiety, a consistent diet of salmon and sweet potato, and regular walks to gain muscle, he began his transformation. His coat became shiny, he put on lean muscle mass, his tummy settled, and, boy, was he a charmer.
As Romeo gained the trust of the shelter team, he was invited by volunteers for home overnights and signs of his separation fear began to fade. Romeo was a special guest when he attended a township meeting at the municipal building where he calmly and politely watched the goings-on and accepted pets from attendees. One of his favorite outings was a skateboarding fundraiser where he schmoozed with teens, gladly accepting their adoration. Romeo was in his glory and was such a good boy!
But, the weeks kept passing, and we all waited – waited for the right home that could take on an 80-lb strong dog, a home that would continue his exercise, meds, and salmon diet. A home without other pets.
And, we worried — if that home came, despite his progress, would he destroy furniture when left alone?
503 days passed, and then it happened. His family walked through those doors. They spent plenty of time with him, coming back several times so he could become familiar with them. The shelter staff was open about his ‘issues’ so that they could best be prepared to meet his needs. The family was not deterred. They wanted HIM and Romeo was ready…that dream home opportunity arrived..
On adoption day, Romeo was packed up like a kid going to college – bags of supplies including food and toys – and his beloved yard ball that was especially set aside for “going home”. Smiles were wide and happy tears were flowing as he hopped in the family car.
Romeo’s adoptive home has two teens and adults. They’ve patiently let Romeo transition to their home, but it didn’t seem too tough as they say Romeo is a couch potato!
Romeo’s journey was long, but no one ever gave up the belief that his right home was out there.
Maybe during the quiet times in shelter, Romeo would look up at the stars, tap his paws three times and make a wish…
So, be careful what you wish for because, if you wait patiently enough, dreams can come true.
If you’d like to help other pets on their journey to a better future, go to www.srasnj.org to donate (or to view our other wonderful pets!).
For more stories by the author click the name links below:
