When I think of my time working at Nevada Humane Society (NHS), I think of all the happy tail wags and slow blinks back at me, each filling me with just as much immeasurable joy as the last. Some spark even more love and gratitude than you can imagine, that stick with you like a little button you can wear proudly on your chest (thank you, Morgan Libby!).
This year, one animal in particular had this impact, not just to me, but for the entire Clinic Team as a whole. So, this story is not just about my experience, but the beloved experience of the entire dedicated and talented Veterinary team here at NHS.
Van Gogh came to the shelter very thin, with a deep wound to his left ear, severe dental disease, and a tick infestation. Our amazing doctors promptly assessed the laceration and opted to preserve
his ear, knowing that with the proper care and constant work-ups provided here, Van Gogh would be as good as new.
He quickly gained weight and although the healing of his ear took longer than expected and required constant bandage changes and care, Van Gogh healed fully. He also received dental surgery that resolved his dental disease and was neutered, all part of the expert care our amazing Veterinary Team has to offer. Because of the amount of time his healing took, Van Gogh quickly became a favorite amongst the clinic.
Each day spent with us was met with constant love and tummy rubs, everyone squealing and fighting for more time with him. He had the sweetest demeanor and was a wonderful patient, with a goofy grin on his face that quickly made everyone drop what they were doing just to get some time with him.
On May 12, 2021, after being with us for two months, Van Gogh finally found his forever home. “I’d been considering adopting a dog for a couple of months. I fell in love with him the moment he ran up to me and licked my hands.” -Jennifer, Van Gogh’s Dog Mom. And it seems like Van Gogh couldn’t have found a better place to call home.
“He has adapted to living with me well. This is his house now; I just live in it.” – Jennifer Van Gogh’s Dog Mom. She also reports that he loves going on walks and car rides and has been camping once.
Animals, like Van Gogh, have gone through so much to find their forever homes. It’s quite hard to put into words how incredible it is to be part of a family with a common mission that is bigger than ourselves. Remembering Van Gogh’s impact reminds us all that the best parts of our lives are just on the horizon. We just have to be patient and wait for our right moment. Thank you, Van Gogh and
Jennifer, our extended NHS Family!
By: Alyssa Rodriguez, Vet Assistant