A Forlorn Shelter Dog, Whose Sole Companion Was An Elephant Toy, Discovers That Both He And His Cherished Toy Are About To Find A New Home

A forlorn shelter dog, whose sole companion was an elephant toy, discovers that both he and his cherished toy are about to find a new home

Smokey, a rescue dog, insists on taking his beloved elephant toy with him whenever he leaves the house. His former owners, who lost their home, were unable to provide for him.

On Valentine’s Day, the 5-year-old puppy was brought to the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center along with his cherished toy to provide him with comfort. Smokey is so attached to his gray plush elephant with pink ears that the shelter has put up a sign requesting that he and his toy be adopted together.

The elephant made Smokey’s time at the shelter more bearable. Despite his usual attachment, Smokey, who seemed anxious and distressed, spent a few quiet weeks avoiding the toy. Unfortunately, Smokey was scheduled for euthanasia in March…

One day, two volunteers from the I Have A Dream Rescue Organization came by. They immediately bonded with Smokey and committed to finding him a foster home.

Now that he has a new home, the puppy can’t stop smiling. “He was downcast and only slept with his elephant until [the volunteer] began talking to him,” noted Melissa Sutherland, treasurer of I Have A Dream. “It’s amazing what rescue can do for pets.”