PAWS for Action – Taking us All the Way to a No-Kill Nation
To run the week of 1/11/15
Emilie Thompson was perusing Facebook the other day when she came across a post from Missy
McClure, marketing director for PAWS Humane in Columbus. The post included a photo of an 11 year
old boxer she pulled that morning from Columbus Animal Control. It was a plea for help.
Grandpa, as he came to be known for a few brief hours, was clearly at the end of his rope. With
overgrown toenails, eyes completely blind, and an emaciated body, he didn’t appear to be long for this
world without some kind of intervention.
As soon as Missy put her eyes on this dog she scooped him up and made a commitment to find some
way to provide him with a soft bed and a loving home until the end of his days. Since the McClure
“hotel for dogs” was already full she set off to find a vacancy in a home with someone who would care
as much as she does for those who are lost and forgotten.
Dogs of a “certain age”, over 5 -7 years old, don’t stand much of a chance on the adoption floor. When
prospective adopters can choose from cute puppies and handsome energetic young dogs, why would
anyone choose a decrepit and smelly old animal who is probably going to need tons of vet care.
In animal sheltering we see the worst and the best of humanity on a daily basis. It is compelling to get
hooked by the worst of what we see and become jaded. That is a mistake. What keeps me coming back
every day is the goodness I see. I relish these stories.
When Emilie first saw the Facebook post she said her heart ached for Grandpa leaving her with a deep
sadness. She wanted to help in some way and initially considered sponsoring his adoption.
Emilie went to her husband, Brice, in tears which she tried to hide. She did not intend to ask her
husband about bringing Grandpa into their home. She did not think her husband would agree to this.
Yet her husband’s response was, “go pick up the old boxer from PAWS.” And that was that.
Emilie goes on to say, “The feeling I had at that point was hard to explain. It sounds silly to say I was
filled with joy. It was just one of those times your heart knows you have done exactly what God was
asking of you.”
Emilie says that Brice shares her compassion for animals and they felt bringing Grandpa into their home
would set a good example for their children, Chesley (9), Chaney (7), and Christian (4). They want their
kids to learn to help others whenever possible and, just as God loves the least among us, so should we.
Grandpa got a new name when he moved in with the Thompson family. He is now called Ray, after Ray
Charles. He is a ray of sunshine for the Thompson family and they provide a ray of hope for him. It is a
new start for Ray where he will receive love and kindness as well as needed medical care.
The Thompson kids enjoy petting Ray and taking care of him. Chesley, the oldest, takes him outside
most of the time and never complains. Chaney, the middle child, loves to make Ray’s bed as
comfortable as possible. She snuggles him and makes sure he has toys around him all the time.
Christian, the youngest, enjoys petting Ray and helps to walk him outside.
Emilie says, “They have truly beautiful souls. They really would have loved to bring home a puppy, but
instead they have shown enormous grace and love” for this old and needy dog.
Their Olde English Bulldog, George, has also welcomed Ray into the home. He tends to Ray’s eyes and
provides companionship.
“I think it is amazing how God works in our lives. His blessings come where we least expect it. I hope we
can show Ray how special he is and how loved he is. I hope most of all that when he leaves this world
he knows he made a difference in our lives.”
PAWS for Action is written by Bobbi Yeo, a free-lance animal welfare worker in Alabama. Email her at
[email protected] with your comments and story ideas.