Tera’s tale is a testament that sometimes, even the most straightforward dog rescue paired with a dash of affection can blossom into the most magnificent life narrative! This five-year-old German Shepherd was rescued from a shelter in Long Island, New York, after her previous family chose to relinquish her.
Tera found herself utterly alone. Her back legs had failed her due to terminal cancer that affected a significant portion of her spine, and there was little hope that someone would step forward to adopt her. But, then – a miracle unfolded!
Tera Was Cast Aside At A Shelter By Her Previous Family
One day, Tera could no longer stand on her hind legs, prompting her family to leave her at a local Long Island shelter. The caring individuals from Bark Animal Rescue & Rehab For K9’s noticed her and chose to provide her with medical assistance.
Upon her arrival at the BARRK facility, Tera was infested with ticks. It took the veterinarians several hours to remove them, yet ultimately, she was thoroughly cleaned up! However, the main issue remained her immobility, attributed to the cancer in her spine.
The rescue team attempted various treatments to aid this unfortunate girl, but all veterinarians concluded with the same verdict – her cancer was incurable and surgery could not be performed, as its outcome was uncertain in terms of her survival.
Tera was given a maximum of three months to live…
Locating The Ideal Family
In collaboration with Foster Dogs NYC, the wonderful team at BARRK enrolled Tera in a program labeled “Fospice,” aiming to find her a temporary family to ensure her last days were filled with affection. And, guess what – the perfect family appeared!
Matt and Allison, a pair from New York, embraced Tera with open arms! They were eager to give this girl the experience of a lifetime, and despite preparing to relocate to Seattle within two months, they didn’t hesitate!
Matt and Allison already had a dog named Frankie and a cat named Viper, but they had room for one exceptional girl! They exerted every effort to ensure Tera felt welcomed and cherished by all!
They even provided her with a cozy dog bed and her own food dish, but she required some time to acclimatize. Initially, she slept on the floor and consumed food off the ground, as she wasn’t accustomed to being an indoor dog.
In just a few short weeks, Matt and Allison became enamored with Tera, as she was simply the sweetest canine ever!
“When we welcomed a #fospice into our home, we were aware the moment would arrive when we’d have to bid farewell. What we didn’t anticipate was the extent to which we’d grow to adore her, and how deeply she’d become a part of our family,” Allison expressed.
An Unforgettable Road Trip
Instead of flying to Seattle as they initially intended, Matt and Allison devised the most wonderful notion! They aimed to make Tera’s final months unforgettable, so they rented a minivan, placed dog beds in the back, and determined to embark on the ultimate road trip together!
It turned into an adventure of a lifetime for everyone involved, particularly for Tera! Once an abandoned dog residing in a shelter, she was now soaking in the beauty and creating wonderful moments with her new family!
They essentially explored all they could! From the University of Notre Dame to Yellowstone National Park – Tera was the queen of her own unique journey! They even stopped by Mt. Rushmore, enjoyed a picnic by the Mississippi River, and took a swim in Montana!
This was a unique experience for the family as a whole, but entirely worth it! Tera wore a cheerful expression throughout the entire journey! It was evident she relished every instance of it!
Her Legacy Continues
Before she took her final farewell, Tera experienced what a life overflowing with love within a family looks like! She spent her last days in Seattle, enveloped by a perfect family of four, loved and cared for every step of the way.
Regrettably, after two and a half months at her new residence, she succumbed to cancer.
“I held her close and kissed her forehead as she breathed her last.
Although bidding farewell was exceptionally challenging for us, we find comfort in knowing she is now joyful, liberated from pain, and running freely once again.”
“I’m sure she’s observing us from above now, residing in a place where she will eternally feel the immense love we hold for her in our hearts.”
Even though she has departed forever, her spirit continues to thrive in Matt and Allison’s house. This courageous girl and her broad smile will forever be cherished!
Motivated by Tera’s narrative, Allison hopes that all dog enthusiasts participate more actively in rescuing dogs with disabilities. Here’s her message:
“In the name of Tera, please persist in the endeavor. Welcome a fospice into your home, adopt a senior dog. Rescue. Adopt. Advocate.”
We sincerely wish that every dog in need finds its path to a nurturing home someday.