After 340 days in a GTA animal shelter, Rudy the dog just wants a home. The eight-year-old hound mix has been waiting for a forever family at the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton and Halton. To help him find a match, the shelter is hosting a special weekend event on May 2-3 for potential adopters to meet Rudy.
Rudy is described by the shelter as a dedicated "fetch master" who loves toys and playtime. He is affectionate, high energy, and a gentleman on a leash. However, Rudy has special needs that require daily medication for seizures, inflammatory bowel disease managed with steroids, and allergies. The monthly cost for his care is $375.
"Three hundred and forty days is a long time," says a video posted on the humane society's Instagram page, showing Rudy on walks in summer and winter, getting groomed, and at play. "Long enough for the seasons to change, routines to shift and life outside the shelter to move forward. For Rudy, it's been 340 days of waiting."
The shelter acknowledges that the cost of Rudy's care is significant but believes there is someone out there who can handle it. "We won't pretend that's nothing," the video states. "But we also know that there is someone out there thinking, 'I can do that.' Because of Rudy's needs, he's been overlooked. But what Rudy gives back is something you can't put a number on. He still loves long walks and is very committed to fetch! When he's not fetching, he's very happy to be near you."
Due to his long stay and medical needs, Rudy's adoption fee has been waived under the shelter's "$0 Golden Years" or palliative program. His ideal home would be an adult-only household, preferably as the only dog, though he can live with a dog-savvy cat. Interested adopters can learn more at hsomh.ca/dogs before this weekend.
