Joey

Adopted!

Joey is truly one of the all time greats. He is every bit as sweet and gentle as he looks. His face is filled with joy and an expression of absolute devotion.

Joey is stout and sturdy with a body like a barrel. His eyes shine with a mixture of wistfulness and profound happiness; Joe is happy to be petted and hugged, happy to walk in the grass, happy to meet other dogs, happy to eat his dinner, and happy to be welcomed into foster care.

We know little of Joe's life prior to his arrival at a rural West Virginia humane society. Amidst the clamor and din of the shelter, Joey stood out in his own quiet way, and although he was always passed over by adopters, who doubtless did not notice his humble good looks, and noble, loving character, he nonetheless retained his good cheer and hopefulness.

What makes him so special? When you meet Joey, you recognize him immediately. He is the dog who waited at the bus stop, the dog who sat patiently in your wagon. He's the dog you shared your ice cream cone with, threw the ball with, and into whose strong, solid neck you sobbed your youthful heartbreaks. He is a dog who lumbers in, and in a moment, you are smiling, your faith restored. He is the dog you think of when you hear the expression "Man's best friend."

So Joey, just by virtue of "being Joey", was given safe-keeping at the tiny rural shelter, and once our attention was directed his way, we at Hedgesville Hounds understood immediately why it was important to help give Joey a voice.

Joey is hale and hearty, and in our opinion, extremely handsome. He loads enthusiastically into a car, and rides with his head held proudly, regarding the landscape with intent interest. Joey meets new people with open affection and pleasure, and new experiences eagerly and expectantly. Housetrained and well-mannered, he is affectionate and plays gently and indulgently with other dogs.

We are still contemplating whether Joey's interest in the cat in his foster home is borne of sincere affection or contemplation of a food source, but so far they have lived together quite amicably. Joe's affection for his foster canine siblings is obvious and touching; he cares for them deeply.

Joey favors his right front leg, which was evidently left to heal without any medical attention after a bad break. The leg did heal, but it is somewhat out of alignment, although he runs and walks without complaint or impediment. Patient and resilient, Joey has long adapted to his injury and its limitations, and two different veterinarians have examined it, and agree with Joey that his leg is "just fine the way it is."

There is only one thing missing in Joey's life, and the adopter(s) who provides Joey with a real home will be receiving more in exchange than s/he can even imagine.