Last month, 69-year-old David Deshon was reported missing by his daughter Shona. Two days later, Placer County, CA sheriff’s deputies discovered his body in the snow. It is a heartbreaking end to a valiant rescue effort, but Deshon’s loved ones take comfort in knowing he was not alone in his final moments.
Deshon’s beloved dogs, 10-year-old Buddy, and 5-year-old Baby Dog remained by his side throughout the entire ordeal. Even after their master passed, Baby Dog refused to abandon him, lying protectively across Deshon’s body while Buddy found his way to a nearby neighbor’s home.
When rescuers arrived, they were unable to persuade Baby Dog to relinquish Deshon’s remains until a trusted neighbor was brought in.
Shona believes her father’s car became stuck as he attempted to drive through an extreme snowstorm. Deshon and the dogs tried to hike home but became lost and disoriented.
Now, 10-year-old Buddy and 5-year-old Baby Dog are starting over. Both were taken to the Placer County Animal Services shelter to recover from their ordeal. Once word spread about their heroism, the county received calls from good Samaritans around the world. Some offered to adopt one or both dogs while others made donations towards their care. A donor from Ohio paid for both dogs’ adoption fees and supplies.
This week, Baby Dog got to meet his new family. Deshon’s daughter Shona is unable to care for the dogs herself, but is delighted to see Baby Dog go home with the next best thing – her next-door neighbors!
Lisa Lomeli and her husband, Lawrence picked up their new pup from the Placer County Animal Services shelter this Tuesday. Baby Dog was a bit nervous at first, but soon warmed to the couple. All the gentle neck scratches definitely helped!
Lomeli thinks this is the perfect arrangement for everyone. Baby Dog gets a wonderful new home, Deshon’s family can still remain in his life, and Lomeli’s ailing mother gets a new pooch to love.
“I had told her [Shona] this is like a perfect, perfect story, because my mom has been going through cancer for a year and is just finishing up chemo,” Lomeli told WRAL News. “She lost her lab a year ago and has been very lonely.”
While Baby Dog is settling in well, Buddy has yet to find his perfect home. As an overweight senior, he may prove to be a difficult placement. You can help Buddy find his happy ending by sharing this story!
H/T and Featured Screenshot via WRAL News
Toledo, United States.
