11/30/2025
If you want to do something that will make your heart happy - this is it! 🥰💙
MOUSE'S STORY: From Loss to Love - How your support saved Mouse
No one knows exactly when life became so hard for Mouse. At some point before her owner passed away, this tiny senior pup stopped receiving regular meals and daily care. Her owner, frail and in poor health himself, received nursing visits only a couple of times a week. By the time help arrived, it was too late. Mouse’s owner had passed several days prior, she was alone with his body, and it appeared the only food left in the house were cookies and a few potato chips. Mouse may have survived on those chips and whatever water she could find. We can only imagine how frightened and alone she must have felt—so much loss for such a small dog to carry: companionship, nourishment, safety.
Fortunately, a caretaker immediately contacted Almost Home for help. And because supporters like you make our work possible, Almost Home was there when the call came in. Almost Home quickly scooped up the emaciated little dog who looked, heartbreakingly, more like an armadillo than a pup. As her photo shows, she had lost nearly all the fur on her body. We brought Mouse straight to the vet, where she received the vaccinations and medical care she desperately needed.
Miraculously, she tested negative for heartworm, and her “skinny-dipping days” were soon behind her—her severe hair loss turned out to be a simple reaction to fleas, easily treated with preventatives, several soothing medicated baths proper nourishment.
Mouse’s life grew even brighter when Almost Home matched her with a loving foster mom, Marlene - who quickly realized this little dog belonged with her forever. Marlene understood loss herself; her husband of 64 years had passed away last year. Perhaps that shared grief created an instant bond.
Marlene laughs now when she remembers Mouse’s armadillo-like appearance. Today, Mouse has a full, healthy coat of fur and a hearty appetite. She enjoys regular meals, adores fresh vegetables—especially sweet potatoes and green beans—and starts each morning with her beloved scrambled eggs.
Looking at her before and after photos, it’s hard to believe it’s the same dog. She seems to have discovered the fountain of youth - but this transformation didn’t happen by chance - it happened because compassionate people stepped up.
Now, Mouse and Marlene are inseparable companions. Mouse is a little “velcro dog,” following Marlene wherever she goes. They take good daily walks, and Mouse enjoys her fenced yard to explore and play in. She recently met her dog cousins and is even learning to share space—an impressive accomplishment for a 13-year-old princess.
Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
You made Mouse’s second chance possible. Will you help us save the next one?
Every day, we receive calls about animals just like Mouse - senior pets left behind, pets whose owners can no longer care for them, shelter dogs on the euthanasia list.
Your gift on GivingTuesday provides:
• Emergency rescues
• Veterinary care and medications
• Food and daily essentials
• Foster placement and adoption support
DONATE HERE: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=HBFCBYE8WJ9YE
Please give so we can say “yes” to the next dog who needs us. Every dollar is a lifeline.
