One year ago today, a little old man arrived in our care with a very uncertain future.

His foster family were asked if they could take in a palliative boy who was only expected to have days, perhaps weeks, left to live. They were understandably hesitant — nobody wants to say goodbye before they’ve barely had a chance to say hello. But they also couldn’t bear the thought of him spending his final days in a shelter.

That little old man was Jake, now known and loved as Jordy.

Slowly but surely, Jordy proved everyone wrong. He found comfort, safety and love, and before long he was thriving. He was adopted twice, but each time he quietly told us where he belonged by refusing to eat and eventually making his way back to the people he loved most. It became clear that Jordy had already chosen his family.

A year later, Jordy is now 17 years old. He is almost completely blind and has bravely recovered from a couple of vestibular episodes, but he continues to embrace life with the same gentle spirit that captured our hearts from the beginning.

As a permanent foster dog, our hope has always been that we’ve given you everything you deserve, Jordy — comfort, security, friendship, soft beds, full bellies, gentle hands and unconditional love.

Thank you to your wonderful foster family for taking a chance on a dog who was expected to have so little time, and for giving him a whole extra year of love, happiness and belonging.

Happy Gotcha Day, Jordy. You may have arrived with us as a palliative foster, but you became family. We treasure every single day with you and look forward to making many more beautiful memories together.

We love you, precious boy ♥️