Happy Tale - "Floyd Get A Second Chance"
Most of us have known, or at least heard of, someone named Floyd. But whether boxer, barber or band, none are as able to melt hearts as quickly and easily as Floyd, the Jack Russell Terrier.
Floyd was surrendered to the APL in 2014 at the age of eleven, when his owner could no longer care for him. Floyd got a medical exam, had some dental work done, and had time to do some soul searching, giving some thought to what he wanted his next home to be like. After all, the APL staff promised him they would find him the family that would love him forever. He wanted to be sure that they and he got it right.
Finding the perfect home for Floyd wasn’t going to be easy. As a self-respecting JRT, he had certain requirements. He wasn’t going to share his new people with other dogs, and so wanted a home where he’d be an “only child.” Small human children were out too, they would only divert attention from Floyd. Though he was undeterred by it, his age would work against him. Some adopters just aren’t aware of the charms of a senior dog. They don’t realize that seniors like Floyd often are housebroken, walk well on a leash, and become loving and appreciative family members. Floyd also hoped he’d get the chance to protect his new family; he wanted to be able to show them how grateful he was. With his list of requirements, Floyd set out to find his new family.
Laura, her husband, and her granddaughter Courtney, were looking to adopt a particular dog, but not Floyd. They asked to start the paperwork, only to find someone else had begun to do so. (Neither Floyd nor other witnesses will discuss exactly how that happened; Floyd remains stoic under questioning.) With her granddaughter set on getting a dog, they looked at the other available pups. Floyd was snoozing until Courtney nudged him, then it was playtime! Floyd listened carefully as the humans discussed adopting him, then made his choice that this family would be his. He went home with them that very day.
Laura and her family met every requirement on Floyd’s list and more. He is the only dog in the house, check. No small children, check. Appreciative of senior dog qualities, check. Laura is a firm believer in giving older dogs a comfortable retirement, so Floyd has three beds in the living room, one in the kitchen and a blanket nest in the bedroom. Floyd got his wish to protect his new family, on his twice-daily walks, he keeps herds of deer at bay. He’s also let one large mastiff in the neighborhood know who’s the boss. Laura lovingly refers to him as her “geriatric little thug.”
Floyd is sixteen now, and still going strong. His life includes other great things that weren’t even on his list, like chasing the laser pointer or the light from the stained glass windows. Morning walks with Laura, watching television during the day with his dad, then another walk when Laura comes home. And chicken! Oh, the chicken. Laura laughs as she describes the noise he makes when he knows it’s ready, barking “like a rusty pipe.” Summer will bring another of his favorite things like trips to the ice cream parlor for a puppy cone.
So, if you’re in Parma, Ohio and you see a tiny JRT with a gorgeous face and your heart–and your cone–begins to melt, you’ll know you’ve met Floyd, a dog loving every minute of his second chance. Ask his mom maybe she’ll let you buy him a second scoop.