Sweet Mama Dog, At Shelter For 2 Years, Finds Forever Home

SOUTHOLD, NY — Call it the magic of social media: After a Facebook plea by an animal shelter employee, imploring her friends to help find a home for a sweet mama dog who'd been passed over for 2 long years, even as her own puppies were adopted — this weekend, "Gram" found her forever family.

According to Gabrielle Stroup of the North Fork Animal Welfare League in Peconic, turning to the internet was the key to Gram's happy ending.

"One of my friends shared my post, and she is really good friends with the adopters," Stroup said. "The woman saw the post and immediately messaged me. They came in, met her and fell in love."

Brenda Eaton, who lives with her husband in Nassau County, told Patch that finding Gram was meant to be.

"My beloved 16-year old beagle, Lucy, passed away in April," she said. "Towards the end, it was very difficult taking care of her since I was also taking care of my mom, who was recovering from open heart surgery. After losing Lucy, I was so sad, but my days became easier since I could focus on Mom."

Eaton believed that one day, she'd find a new dog to ease her aching heart.

"I knew that Lucy’s little spirit would send me a sign when I someday would find another dog to love.
This past Saturday, I saw a post on Facebook by Gabrielle, shared by a dear friend, Mary Trier of Mattituck," she said. "When I saw Gram’s face, tears came streaming down, and I felt my fingers typing a message to Gabrielle Stroup of the North Fork Animal Welfare League, to ask if Gram was still available."

Eaton said she was "delighted" to learn that Gram was waiting. "My husband and I adopted her the very next day. Our first day together went pretty well, considering all the changes," she said. "The employees at the shelter were so lovely and caring, making sure to pack her favorite treats and toys, and seeing Gram all the way to the car. Another employee came into work on her day off to say good-bye to Gram."

Eaton said it was a special coincidence that "Gram" is the name her mother is called by her 3 grandchildren.

Stroup, meanwhile, is jubilant to have helped the four-footed friend find her new family. "It's proof that sharing on social media works," she said.

Patch photo courtesy North Fork Animal Welfare League.