A Red Deer couple’s lives are a little furrier after they read the Red Deer Express last week.
Eileen Stuart explained she was casually reading the weekly newspaper as she does every week when she flipped the page find the face of a dazzling husky cross looking back at her from the freshly turned page who had recently been surrendered to Sylvan Lake and Area Serenity Pet Shelter.
Stuart explained it was the photo of the rescued animal that caught her attention. She detailed how the eyes of the 9 year old pooch seemingly pierced through the pages of the newspaper and into her soul. That morning she read of the dog’s back story and wondered if they might be able to help. The article, which appeared in the Red Deer Express courtesy of Sylvan Lake News, shared Rex’s journey as he bounced from home to home and owner to owner - continuously being passed off. He was a dog without a human or a home and his rescuers knew he didn’t know where he belonged.
“There was something about the picture of Rex in the paper,” she explained. “He was so beautiful and I connected with his eyes right away. It was the picture that had drawn me in.”
Eileen had never heard of Serenity Pet Shelter, however she insisted her husband call to inquire about adopting the animal. Having recently lost their rescued Maltese Annie this summer, Eileen and Lorne were looking to adopt a companion as their home felt empty. Lorne made the call and was greeted by Melanie Crehan of Serenity Pet Shelter.
Crehan explained there was a great deal of interest from readers of both papers following the publishing of the article, with around six different families inquiring into the pup’s possible adoption. As Crehan learned of the Stuart’s background and their current circumstances she became hopeful. The couple told Crehan of their past experience, rescuing professional Greyhound race dogs, a number of Dachshunds and even a few cats along the way.
All of the animals they had rescued in the past had been long time companions for the couple. Following their loss this summer, they were ready to adopt. Crehan organized a meet and greet between the Stuart’s and the lonesome husky who had been temporarily housed courtesy of Piper Creek Pet Resort.
“I’ve never seen a reaction from Rex like he had when he first saw Eileen and Lorne - he really just sunk into them,” said Crehan. “In other meet and greets we had done he barely left my side, but for whatever reason he took to the couple almost immediately. When they left he let out a yelp that I had never heard another dog make before - crying out to them as they left the enclosure.”
This past weekend Crehan took Rex for a home visit to the Stuart’s residence. For Rex, this visit would lead to the foundations of his forever home being built. Following the visit, Rex was adopted by Eileen and Lorne and his new life began.
NEW FAMILY - Lorne and Eileen Stuart of Red Deer are the happy new owners of Angelo, a 9 year old Husky cross who was surrendered in the SylvanLake area to Serenity Pet Shelter. Jenna Swan/Sylvan Lake News
“I couldn’t believe it,” said Eileen. “He came into the house and settled right down - it was like he had always been here and had always been a part of our family. He is incredible”
In getting to know Rex, the Stuart’s learned his name didn’t seem to fit his compassionate and caring nature. The stunningly beautiful and loving Husky cross is now known as Angelo.
“I don’t know anyone by that name,” explained Eileen. “But for whatever reason the name just fits. He is unique from the other animals we have adopted in the past. You can tell that all he is wants is to love and be loved. He has such a quiet dog with such a sweet disposition - he is the best companion we ever could have asked for and he will be greatly loved in this home.”
Following his adoption Serenity Pet Shelter also worked closely with the Stuart’s to help Angelo get his paper work to be able to cross the border. The couple explained they frequent their family cabin in Washington State every and proper paperwork is needed for pets to cross the border.
“We just love it there and so have our other dogs,” said Eileen. “We can’t wait to bring Rex to see his new playground in the woods of Washington.”
She added, “To be able to give an animal a home - you think it’s you who is benefiting them, but in the end it’s always you who gets the most out of it.”
See footage of Angelo, Lorne and Eileen in the video below: