These photos helped Grey find the home of his dreams... after almost 7 years!
I photographed Grey at the Calhoun County Humane Society in Alabama, 4 years ago. Back then, Grey was already a long timer… He and his brother Perry Carter had been waiting for 2-3 years.
After my shoot, Perry Carter traveled to New York, where he was adopted and he has been living the life ever since! But Grey stayed behind. Mostly because he wasn’t good with other dogs (unlike his brother), which made his placement harder.
A few weeks ago, I was preparing another round of posts on some of my long timer models. Browsing the shelter’s social media, I bumped into this recent photo of Grey (right side), taken by a local group of volunteer photographers (Wags to Riches Photography). And my heart dropped.
How could this be the same dog I had met, years ago? Grey looked older, defeated. I knew the staggering difference between both shots, could be his ticket out of the shelter. I posted the story, and sure enough, it went viral. Picked up by places like The Dodo and Bored Panda. And then, something magical happened.
A young lady saw Grey, and thought he’d be perfect for her dad Keith. She sent him the info. And Keith agreed. He reached out to the shelter. The only problem: Keith lives 13-14h away from the shelter. The community pulled together to make this happen. Engaged couple Tia+Tom sponsored Grey’s adoption fee in place of party favors for their upcoming wedding. Others sponsored Grey’s transport, which allowed driver volunteer Erin to rent an SVU, grab Grey and some snacks, and make the long drive to his new home.
So many people came together to make this adoption happen, but nothing beats getting a happy pages-long update from Keith, the new dad:
“Grey is adjusting well! He followed me around everywhere for the first few days, apprehensive I’m sure, but he knows this is his home. The first night, he sniffed around the backyard for a good half hour, then just started running! I took a blurry photo. I think it says it all! He had so much room he didn’t know which way to run!
We’ve been playing catch, it took him a minute to learn how to do it. He plays with toys and loves his Frisbee! I don’t think he’s ever had that before, and it makes me happy that I can give him the opportunity to have a happy life!
I wanted to adopt an older shelter dog, mainly because they’ve been there the longest and have less of a chance of being rescued. Grey is exactly what I was looking for, plus he’s pretty cute! He’s very good natured and loving, and quite energetic. If it hadn’t been for your photos, and effort in getting them circulated, this wouldn’t have happened. With your help, and all the other people involved, Grey has a home, and I thank you!”
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PS: and this is Perry Carter, Grey’s brother, living the life in New York!
