8.29.2011

A Home for Capone

 

On April 3, 2011, six special Pit Bull mixes entered my life: Capone, Bonnie, Mimi, Molly, Pinky, and Sissy.. That day, six new dogs became my children, when a county breed ban threatened their safety at the wonderful animal shelter, ARF of MS, and sent them here to Lucky Dog Rescue.

One of those dogs, Capone, would soon become my "right-hand man," as his happy-go-lucky disposition and super-friendly nature made him the perfect pup for temperament testing each new rescue dog. And for nearly 5 months, Capone has been the most popular kid in school at Lucky Dog Rescue.

But the beauty of Capone's spirit is even more amazing... when you know the horrors of his past...

Here's Capone's story:
My name is Capone. A few months ago, I was hurting real bad. I had a badly broken leg, a severe case of mange, and I was slowly starving to death. I cried all the time… because no one would help me. I would use all my strength to limp around, trying to find someone to get me to the doctor. But everyone just looked the other way… no one even cared. I learned real fast that the world isn’t always so nice to pups like me. All I've ever wanted is a family… I’ve never had one before. Please… can't someone just love me? I love you already. Please take me home. 

Saying goodbye to my baby today
I can't even imagine that level of despair... to live life in so much physical pain... to walk the streets with a broken heart.... and to have no one care about you. My heart shatters when I think about him during that time... knowing that this was Capone's reality for so much of his short life.

But looking at my Capone-y now, I see no trace of his past. He's one of the happiest, healthiest dogs I've ever met... there's no sadness or resentment whatsoever for what he's been through. And each day for 5 months, the light in his eyes and the love in his heart have given me more hope and joy than I can convey in words. He's, quite simply, amazing.

Even still... as much as I love Capone, I know that he isn't meant to live here with me. He deserves to have a family of his own. So, for nearly 5 months, I've been hoping, praying, and waiting for his chance at forever to arrive.

And this week... it did.

I was contacted by the perfect family who was looking to adopt a dog, and not just any dog-- Capone-y. As I read through their pet adoption application, I suddenly screamed: "YAY!!!" When the rest of my dog adoption screening criteria was fulfilled, I approved Capone's new family.


And today... they came to take him home.

Daniel McKay and Tara Dickson drove from Starkville, Mississippi to Lucky Dog Rescue in Meridian, Mississippi to meet their new baby... my baby, Capone. It was truly love at first sight. 

As always, it was beyond incredible for me... as I watched my special little boy meet his new mom and dad... the family that will love him for the rest of his life. He will soon meet his new pup sister as well, another rescued Pit Bull mix named Kayla.

With a huge smile on his face and a rapidly wagging tail, Capone said "Hello" to forever...

And I said "Goodbye" to Capone...

I gave him one last hug, one last kiss, and smiled through tears as I said, "It's time to go home, buddy."

Then, I looked up at his new family, and said, "Thank you. This is all he's ever wanted."

Tears streamed down my face... as they loaded my baby... their baby... into the car. 

And then... he was gone. 

But... when an incredible dog like my Capone-y is going home for the first time in his life... "gone" never felt so good...

*Capone- For nearly 5 months, your smile has kept me going. Knowing that you're finally home forever... that'll keep me going for the rest of my days. I love you, buddy.



34 comments:

  1. great job!!! thank you Pet Pardons/GOD/St. Francis!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is so awesome!!!!!! He looks like he isa very happy guy !!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Another Great job Ashley! You are the BEST! Keep up the good work! God Bless. Linda

    ReplyDelete
  4. So cool!! Thank you to the people who adopted him..and to you Ms. Ashley for healing him and making him the happy dog he is now..Goodluck Capone!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for all you do!!! I don't know you but I know your heart
    Tricia

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thank-you . you did a great job. God bless u all

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a beautiful story Ashley. Tears running down my face. His new parents look so happy with him. These stories are so heartbreaking and it's just wonderful to hear a happy ending. God Bless you all...............Capone and family, have a wonderful life!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Sad for you to see him go, but joyous at the same time. Good luck Capone and keep going Ashley. You are making truly amazing things happen.

    ReplyDelete
  9. really touching story and I am happy he found a new home and he gets the happines he deserves. I said this a million times, and I will always say this. People call Dogs, cats animals but who are the animals? we are. We allow this suffering while they take it in stride and dont hold grudges like Capone. We have alot to learn for those four legged little guys and gals. I have 6 rescues myself, and I could not love them more, they have been with me for over 6 years and I cannot imagine my life with out them

    ReplyDelete
  10. I know what you mean Ashley. Our little foster dog of 3 months went to his forever home yesterday. The tears I shed are so mixed with sadness and joy. These are the moments you know why you do this work. It feeds the soul and helps a family have their perfect new member and opens the door for another doggie in need. Thank you Ashley for your inspiration and the work you do!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Ashley, thank you so much for saving this lovely boy, and finding him a new, true home.
    From Stella

    ReplyDelete
  12. Thank You for being you, an Angel and caring...this world needs more Angels like you ...

    ReplyDelete
  13. I can say that I smiled but it was through the tears of happiness! Keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete
  14. ...what a special blog...& a special DOG! I'm crying tears of joy for Capone & his new family...and tears for you Ashley. As I can't imagine how bittersweet it must've been to say goodbye.
    I have a Capone at home as well! And he's my Capone-y Balone-y! :D I remember seeing (your) Capone's gorgeous face months ago on your website & posting his story on my own page. Of course his name interested me as well since I have a Capone of my own! <3
    I couldn't be happier to read of his adoption & how amazing it is to see his dreams of a furever family realized! He's certainly been such a joy in your life, but more than that, he wouldn't have had the opportunity for a happily ever after had it not been for YOU! Every furry friend leaves paw prints on our hearts...but some will hold an extra special place for a lifetime!
    Here's wishing Capone many, many delightful years to come! And from one Capone mommy to another, God bless you Ashley! Your tireless effort & selfless devotion to these babies is inspirational! I enjoy every heartfelt story you share...thank you!
    ~KeLLey

    ReplyDelete
  15. Ashley, thank you so much for all you do! This is really so touching!!
    I am far away from home at the moment, and my dear husband and our wonderful Belle the Rescue puppy will be joining me soon. You really are doing incredible work, and it means so much to all of us! Thank you!!
    (And thank you for your very touching post about needing help too. As soon as I get pay pal to work from here, you're at the top of my list!!)
    -Mary

    ReplyDelete
  16. What a "Heart Warming Story", as I read Capones personal experience I started getting a knot in my throat. Very touching, and I have tears right now but of Joy!!.. and it shows not to ever loose Faith and Hope. God Bless Capone, the Lady that believed in him, love and cared for, and the New Family that adopted him ready to start a new Life together and a New begining.... All the Best!!...

    Capone you are an Inspiration to all of us. Be Well Boy.

    ReplyDelete
  17. You are awesome! Thank you for your work! Crying now!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Ashly, I know Capone-y and your other adopted babies will always carry a part of you with them whereever they go...I know they will never forget you, you will always remain in their hearts!
    Thank you for everything you do and for who you are...you bring smiles to lot of faces, including mine!
    Susie

    ReplyDelete
  19. thank you for giving all that you have to Capone, Missy, Bonnie, Molly and the rest of the gang. Thank you for finding the perfect home for Capone and for helping us in our time of need for these six sweet pit mixes

    ReplyDelete
  20. Bravo, you've done such a wonderful job with such a great puppy. Dogs are so wonderful; they forgive and forgot and just love you. Ashly, you are my hero.

    ReplyDelete
  21. yay!! Congratulations to Capone!! I was just curious..when an adopter has a resident dog, are dog intros required before taking him home? I hope it works out for him!!

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  22. THANK YOU, FANTASTIC, I know your HEART breaks, hoping they will be loved and attended to as you have,but GOD BLESS you and all at PET PARDONS

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks to you Ashley,Capone is well on his way to being Happy. You are MY Hero. Good Luck Capone......... From Deb in Tampa Fl

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm crying, beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  25. AHHHHHHHHH why do your posts always make me cry?!?!?! Well, we all know the answer to that. You do amazing things and you write amazing things about what you do.

    ReplyDelete
  26. And so, you have the greatest rewards there are...and gave up a piece of your heart in the process!! Good Job, Ash!! You taught him how to be happy:) Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  27. What an awesome day indeed when one fantastic, spunky pup can happily go to his forever home; when one Ashley-Mom can see what a superb job she did with "raising" him and making him the best pup he can be; and when one spot can open up to another little guy/girl who needs the love, attention, and care that Lucky Dog Rescue can give!! Yeah for all of you!! :-D

    ReplyDelete
  28. I'm am so crying and looking at my pit, that had been left unwanted at a vets office. I am so glad these dogs found an angel like u!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I think I might have only commented on one of your posts before but I've been following your blog and stories now for maybe almost a year and as an avid animal lover myself, especially of dogs, I must say that you have one of the biggest hearts I've ever known a person to have. You and your stories and your life and what you do, move me to tears!! YOU are a wonderful angel from God above and I truly hope you feel and know this and don't let anyone tell you different! YOU are amazing and I hope you will be blessed beyond what you need for your love and devotion!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wonderful story. :> Do you ever get a chance to visit your babies that you have adopted out? Won't you get to see Capone again sometime? Or when you say goodbye is it for the rest of this lifetime? That would be sad. I would hope you could occasionally visit the most special of your friends...

    ReplyDelete
  31. He will never forget you.....YOU gave him his smile! Now he can make others smile too!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Wonderful...just wonderful. My dream is for everyone of them to have a happy ending :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. When I initially commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and
    now each time a comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment.
    Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
    Many thanks!

    my website: Generateur de Code PSN

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.