CubWag
Sick Shelter Dog Finally Experiences Love Before Dying
There are so many old dogs in need of rescue, and Frosted Faces Foundation, a rescue organization for older dogs in California, is doing its best to help as many as possible.
One day Alicia Anthony, the Kennel Manager of Frosted Faces, got word about a little Chihuahua named Gerkin. He was 14 years old and desperately needed help.
"I saw Gerkin's picture in a Facebook post and was immediately attracted to him," Alicia says.
A rescue mission
Kelly and Andy, the founders of Frosted Faces, agreed to rescue Gerkin. On Sept. 23, 2023, they retrieved him from the Lancaster Shelter.
Alicia remembers the day he arrived at the shelter and how she immediately fell in love with the little puppy.
"I have no doubt that everyone there heard me yelling as his driver carried him into the lobby. I even yelled 'Kelly! Come look at him!"
Medical hurdles
Poor Gerkin arrived with a terrible cough.
Rachel, a veterinary assistant at Frosted Faces, examined him and discovered a collapsed trachea and an upper respiratory infection.
He needed immediate help.
"He had a very badly collapsed trachea and an upper respiratory tract infection. We admitted him on site and started him on IV fluids and medications," Rachel says.
A special bond
Despite his health problems, Gerkin had a few good days. He even entertained everyone at the practice by barking at himself in the mirror. Alicia couldn't help but fall in love with the little pup.
A heartbreaking twist
Unfortunately, Gerkin's health deteriorated.
He stopped eating and his prognosis looked bad. Alicia spent every moment she could with him.
When the heartbreaking decision came, she asked if she could take him home.
"When we got home, I wrapped him in a blanket, put him on my lap and we both fell asleep," Alicia recounted.
Saying goodbye
The next day they returned to Frosted Faces with heavy hearts. As Gerkin's health did not improve, it was time to say goodbye.
"After my shift was over, I took him outside and rocked him as the sun was setting," Alicia recounted.
"Two weeks with him was not enough and I wish he had come to us sooner. Thank you, Kelly, for bringing this little potato to me, and thank you to everyone who tried so hard to help him. I love you, my sweet Gerkin."
A moving tribute
Although Gerkin was only in Alicia's life for a short time, he made a huge impact. She wrote a touching tribute on the Frosted Faces Foundation Facebook page.
Although Gerkin only had a short time to live, he taught everyone something about love, compassion and saying goodbye.
The Frosted Faces Foundation continues to work to help more older dogs find loving homes and make their golden years truly special.
And so, in the hearts of those at Frosted Faces, Gerkin's spirit lives on, forever barking across the rainbow bridge.
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