Delta's Story

This is Delta’s story…

Little Miss Delta had countless angels guiding her to her adoptive family.  This little girl was found wandering as a stray in the bayous of Louisiana.  She was brought to a shelter, where a compassionate woman who worked with the shelter and rescue groups saw her flight.  Suspected of having hydrocephalus, Delta needed help beyond what the shelter could provide, so the woman posted her on Facebook, hoping a rescue would step in.

A vet who had previously worked with Angel of Hope, now living in Turks and Caicos, spotted the post and immediately reached out, encouraging the shelter to contact us. When we learned about Delta, we knew we had to step in.

A local police officer volunteered to drive her from Louisiana to Houston, where a temporary foster awaited.  From there, Delta traveled on a Houston PetSet transport to Minnesota.  Once she arrived, we began evaluating her condition, allowing her to stay with her foster for four months before understanding what her future might look like medically.

When we shared Delta’s story, a family in Montana saw her sweet face and reached out to learn more. After several conversations about her prognosis, they came to meet her in person.  It was love at first sight. They brought Delta home to Montana, where she joined her new family and doggie siblings, finally in the loving home she deserved.

We received an update on Delta, in early November this year… This is from Delta’s family:

“Over the period of a few months, and lots of trial and error, we were able to help alleviate her symptoms and give her really good quality of life. We were told by several people she most likely wouldn't live 6 months but here we are, almost 4 years later... until this last Saturday.

Three weeks ago, she had some sort of autoimmune attack on her red blood cells. We got her medical care, including a blood transfusion, and medications to try and save her life but her little body just gave out. The vet that's been caring for her these last 4 years was always surprised at how well she was doing but was always trying to emphasize that she was on borrowed time. Her will to live was the size of a elephant packed inside her little 8 lb body. She was so strong and a real fighter.

We've loved her, cared for her, worried over her every minute of every day for the last (almost) 4 years. She impacted our lives in a profound and everlasting way. I wanted to let you know that, despite the odds being stacked against her she was a bright light in our lives and brought our family so much happiness and silliness and sheer joy. Her three fur sisters are feeling her loss and keep looking for her. She was a fighter to the end and losing her has shattered our world...and we wouldn't give up a single second of that time we had with her. We've adopted several special needs dogs over the years but Delta was the most special. And worth every single tear we are now crying. If anyone ever wonders what it's like to adopt a special needs dogs like Delta, all I can say is it's difficult, challenging and will improve your life tenfold.

We miss her so much. Thank you so much for advocating for her and taking care of her and a special thanks to all the people involved in getting her to you. She had traveled more of the country than we have. 

With dietary changes and medication she had a really good quality of life. She hadn't had one seizure in the last 3 years and no more circling or tipping over and she learned how to use the doggy door. She really had a huge impact on our lives and we loved her completely. Her grit and determination were inspiring and we miss her every single day. The loss we feel now is really hard but I wouldn't give up one second of the time we had with her. I hope others will be open to adopting a special needs animal. It's so worth it. 

I know that she was a difficult one to place for you guys, but I'm so grateful I saw your post for her online. I'm so grateful that you guys gave her a chance and that we had the privilege of loving her. Thank you for all you do for needy animals. It absolutely matters to them and to us.”

Although this story is bittersweet, we are grateful we could say "yes" and thankful for all the angels who helped her find a forever home. While her time was short—just four years—we take comfort in knowing she was deeply loved every step of the way.