Matches Made, Lives Saved

It’s been over a decade since I first stepped through Homeward Pet’s doors. I’ve held many titles since then—volunteering as a Sunday morning Dog Walker, President of the Board of Directors, donor, Development Committee member, and my favorite: adopter.

During the winter of 2015 I met JoJo while walking the dogs at Homeward Pet. After getting to know what a sweet, loving boy he was, I was hooked. He was 9 years old at the time and graying, with some lumps and bumps under his golden fur.

                                  JoJo & Libby

Homeward Pet did so much for JoJo. Other animal shelters may not have had the resources to give him the medicine and diagnostics he needed— and continue caring for him even after finding the beginnings of cancer. I knew then that I wouldn’t have many years with him, but that I could give him a warm and gentle home to spend his twilight years in.

He was everything you could want in a companion: smart, friendly, and the best ambassador dog you could ask for. To give him a good home for his final years was the least I could do for such a special dog who brought happiness to everyone he met.

I firmly believe that dogs can teach us so much about kindness and unconditional love. JoJo did that—for me, for my partner, Susie, and for our other dog, Libby. Before JoJo, Libby had struggled with showing affection, but soon she began to follow JoJo’s approach: stroll up to me, plop his head in my lap, and wait expectantly for pets. It was wonderful to watch Libby as she started to approach me in the same way.

                    JoJo enjoying a sunny day

We can never have as long as we want with our pets. After two years with us, we said goodbye to JoJo. In the short time we had together, all he did was give, give, give. 

I’ve adopted three senior dogs in a row. Each time I lose them, I’m prepared to think, “I’m never doing this again.” But then I think of taking JoJo to the ocean for the first time, and how happy he was as he bounded in the waves. Though I was only part of his story for its last few chapters, I hope I brought him happiness. I know he brought that to me.

As a local real estate broker, I am proud to combine my two passions of real estate and animal welfare. For 12 years, I’ve donated 10% of my commission to the local animal rescues. I believe that we as humans have the responsibility to take care of all animals, and adopting these older dogs is a way I can help with a little piece of that. Not all animal shelters have the resources to care for older dogs, but I’m thrilled to support one that does.

Martha Faulkner
RSVP Real Estate Broker, Sunday Morning Dog Walker & Former Homeward Pet Board President