Kermit's Village

Perhaps nothing illustrates the saying "It takes a Village" more than Kermit's story. Almost three years ago, a neonate rescue group saved him. A distemper survivor, others would have put him down because neurological injuries resulted in a minor disability; a funny gait and coordination problem. But Kermit's Snuggle foster mom knew he was a smart, happy dog who deserved a chance. She got him through early puppyhood and then called Heartland. One of Heartland's foster moms also saw Kermit's potential and agreed he deserved a chance at a happy life, so she agreed to take him in.

Kermit grew. And grew. And grew. Soon he was a very big, black dog with a shiny coat and happy disposition. Since the beginning, Kermit has been a favorite of shelter staff and volunteers. Volunteers have always gone out of their way to give him extra attention. It was difficult to find a foster home for Kermit because foster homes are, of course, filled with dogs and Kermit was a bit selective about who he'd hang with. We did not imagine this wonderful dog would become a long term resident of Heartland's shelter. But, he did. Potential adopters passed him by for many reasons: they feared his disability would make their life difficult. Being a big, black dog was a knock against him. Being a rescue dog was a knock against him. Being a big, black, disabled rescue dog made it very difficult to find a home for Kermit.

And then a lovely, young couple perused Heartland's website and came upon Kermit's photo and story. They filled out an application. We read it, full of hope, because they sounded wonderful.

This morning, myself and Lori, another Heartland volunteer, loaded Kermit into my car and headed towards what we hoped would be his new home. There was one more test to pass; a home visit to assure Kermit, with his wobbly disposition, could navigate the household. When the front door opened, Kermit let himself right in and happily pranced around the whole house, exploring every nook and cranny. He helped himself to the cats' water. He stood at the back door, waiting for someone to open it so he could explore the huge back deck. He stood on the back deck, surveying the view, all alert and excited, then returned to the house for more exploring, stopping occasionally for attention from one of his new parents. Kermit looked happy and content, like he belonged to this house, to this family.

When the papers were signed and it was time for goodbyes, Kermit escorted us to the door. I got a big, sloppy, wet Kermit kiss. We whispered to him to have a wonderful life. We told him we loved him. And then, we said goodbye.

In the three years of Kermit's life, so many people have loved him. His first foster mom who originally saved him. Each and every volunteer who came to our shelter to walk him, spend time petting him, give him a bath or play in the yard with him. Each volunteer who gave up a Saturday to transport Kermit to adoption events. Shelter staff who always made sure Kermit had the best spot in the place and that it was clean and Kermit was comfortable on the cot where he napped. The morning staff who always added canned food to Kermit's breakfast and brought him rawhide bones. The shelter manager who got him to his vet appointments whenever they were needed. Our webmaster who throughout the years updated his bio and photos, made sure he got coverage on other sites and made him our featured pet in hopes of finding him a home. And, there were so many Heartland supporters who followed Kermit's story. We know everyone who loves Kermit is celebrating with us today.

It does take a village. And, because of it, Kermit is home at last!