Shelter’s longtime resident flies off to a new home
One of the longest-staying dogs at the Habersham County Animal Shelter flew private as he made his way out of Habersham County on Sunday and got a second chance at a home.
Grado, a high-energy, friendly mixed dog, had been looking for a home since his arrival at the shelter on Nov. 8, after being brought in by animal control who responded to a call about a stray on Grado Lane in Baldwin.
Madi Nix, director of Animal Care and Control, poured her energy into finding a home for the sweet dog, including specially dedicated social media posts and newspaper ads, but unfortunately, they were not able to find one locally. Grado soon reached and surpassed 100 days at the shelter and became a favorite with local volunteers.
On Sunday, day 168 of being at the shelter, Grado took to the skies and made his way to Connecticut after undergoing heartworm treatment. Previously Nix had commented on how difficult it could be to get heartworm-positive dogs adopted.
“He is heartworm positive but has been on medication since he came in so we are hoping he should continue to get better,” Nix told The Northeast Georgian.
A rescue on the East Coast, where Nix said the animal shelter sends a lot of animals to try to find them homes, was able to send for Grado on a plane.
Nix, along with Animal Control Officer Bill Ireland and Grado’s favorite volunteer Deborah Schildbach went on Sunday to the Habersham County Airport to see their four-legged friend off to his newest adventure. “We are so excited to finally be able to give Grado the happy ending he deserved,” Nix said. “It took 168 days and lots of dedication from many people, but it finally happened.”
The animal shelter reported that Grado had landed safely in Connecticut and had enjoyed spending his first night in over five months in a home.
“We wish our buddy all the happiness and success in his next chapter,” Nix said.