WE KNOW one person can change the trajectory of another’s life. The same is true for animals. For Leroy, that person was Angie Moore.
Leroy, an aging stray, was brought to Fayetteville Animal Clinic with the expectation of being euthanized due to his age and health concerns. However, the staff saw something in him that others had overlooked: a gentle spirit, a calm demeanor, and the unmistakable spark of a dog still eager to give and receive love. Among the staff, veterinary technician Angie Moore was especially moved. She recognized that Leroy’s story didn’t have to end there and took action. Reaching out to the Humane Society of Lincoln County, Moore sought help to ensure that Leroy would get a second chance.
From the clinic, Leroy was transferred into foster care with Hannah Faulkner, a dedicated volunteer with the humane society. In foster care, his personality began to shine.
“There was just a sweet, old-soul spirit about him,” Moore recalled. “He would just look at you, and you could see he had more life to give.” Some dogs have a presence that goes beyond behavior or appearance; their eyes and demeanor can reveal their soul. Leroy was one of those dogs — a calm, affectionate companion whose spirit left an impression on everyone he met.
Leroy’s story soon reached a wider audience. His profile was shared online, capturing the attention of a couple in Canada. Having previously adopted six senior hound dogs from the U.S., this family was no stranger to the rewards of welcoming older pets into their home. They recognized Leroy’s potential to bring joy and companionship and quickly expressed interest in adopting him.
After careful planning, Leroy’s journey north was arranged. He flew from Nashville to Spokane, Washington, where his new family met him to complete the final leg of the trip back to Canada. With plans to provide specialized veterinary care, his adopters are committed to giving Leroy the best possible life in his senior years — a life marked by comfort, companionship, and love.
Leroy’s journey highlights a truth often overlooked in animal rescue: older pets deserve the same love and attention as younger ones. Puppies and young dogs often attract immediate interest due to their energy and potential, while senior dogs are frequently passed over. Yet, as Leroy’s story shows, older pets bring unique rewards.
“Older pets deserve the same love and affection as younger ones,” Moore explained. “They have more to give and seem to love unconditionally, the older they are. It’s like they are telling you, ‘Thank you for loving me and giving me the chance to give the love I have in return.’”
For families willing to open their homes to senior pets, the experience often comes with unexpected joy. These animals may not have the high energy of a puppy, but they offer steady companionship rooted in gratitude, resilience, and trust. Their presence encourages patience, empathy, and a deeper appreciation for the bond between human and animal.
Leroy’s story could have ended the day he arrived at Fayetteville Animal Clinic. Instead, Angie Moore’s initiative and Hannah Faulkner’s nurturing foster care changed his life trajectory completely. The coordinated efforts of dedicated individuals — and the willingness of his adoptive family to embrace a senior pet — transformed his uncertain future into one filled with comfort and love.
For those who work in animal rescue, stories like Leroy’s are a reminder of the profound impact one person can have. Whether through professional expertise, volunteer care, or the decision to adopt, individuals play a pivotal role in the lives of animals who might otherwise be overlooked.
Leroy’s journey underscores a broader lesson: age should not be a barrier to adoption. With their quiet dignity and affectionate nature, senior pets can enrich lives in ways that younger animals sometimes cannot.
As Moore reflected, “They help us in so many ways and on so many levels we don’t even realize. At the end of the day, all they really want is to love and be loved.” For Leroy, that love is now returned tenfold. Leroy’s story is both heartening and instructive. It reminds us that a little bit of attention, compassion, and advocacy can make a profound difference.
For families considering adoption, Leroy’s journey is a clear example of how some of the most meaningful rewards come not from youth or novelty, but from animals who have endured life’s challenges and still have love to give.
Ultimately, Leroy’s life was transformed by people who looked beyond appearances. Moore’s intervention, Faulkner’s fostering, and his adoptive family’s dedication collectively demonstrate the remarkable impact of human compassion. GN
