Chevy’s Story

It all started when…

Chevy was brought in as a stray by our Auburn Animal Control Officers. He was quickly evaluated by our medical team due to severe swelling of both eyes and chronic ear infections. He was wary of people touching his face and head because of significant pain and blindness. Luckily, Chevy was microchipped, and the shelter staff were able to contact the owner. Chevy’s owner had him from birth and was able to provide the veterinary team with an incredible amount of information about Chevy’s lifelong struggle with vision loss, ear infections, and pain. We worked diligently with Chevy’s owner to try and reunite the pair. It was apparent just how deeply Chevy was loved. Chevy’s owner was facing significant housing instability; a challenge becoming increasingly common. Even amidst the very scary loss of regular shelter, efforts had been made to rehome on their own, and even crowdfunding had been attempted to cover medical expenses.

The AVHS Pets in Crisis program provides temporary housing and care for pets and is available to owners who are temporarily unable to provide care for their pets due to unforeseen emergencies such as loss of housing or a medical crisis. This program is an alternative for owners whose only other option would be to rehome their pets. Our special programs and veterinary staff teamed up to find the absolute best outcome for Chevy and his owner. Ultimately, the owner made the devas­tatingly difficult decision to surrender their beloved Chevy to the shelter. The owner identified they were only able to do so knowing that Chevy would be cared for, his medical conditions treated, and his pain and suffering alleviated. In doing so, they were able to also give themselves the best oppor­tunity to secure housing and personal safety.

While the Pets in Crisis program was not ultimately a solution for Chevy and his owner, it was through open and non-judgmental conversation that we were able to provide the very best outcome for Chevy and his person, even if it didn’t mean they would stay together. Spoiler alert! After Chevy’s eye removal and ear treatment, he was placed in an AVHS volunteer foster home for healing. This may have been the first time in a very long time that Chevy did not have chronic pain and he blos­somed! With tail wags all around, Chevy was adopted after several months in foster. He enjoys slow sniff walks and is adept at getting on and off the couch and even the bed. He’s very well adjusted to blindness and now lives pain-free.

Because of supporters, fosters, and adopters’ generosity animals like Chevy are provided the best care possible. Chevy is enjoying his second chance of life.