Kanawha / Charleston Humane Association

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA (Daily Mail) - Gunner needs a permanent home with folks willing to rub his floppy ears and pamper him in his golden years.

After overcoming seemingly insurmountable odds, it doesn't seem too much to ask.

Gunner, who is about 10 years old, is a black and tan coonhound rescued from the Kanawha Charleston Humane Association. He is now living with his foster family, Chelsea and Mark Staley of Clendenin.

While the Staleys were volunteering at the animal shelter, Gunner stood out with his sweet disposition, droopy ears and hopeful eyes. Chelsea contacted the American Black and Tan Coonhound Rescue on his behalf, and he was scheduled to move to a foster home in Philadelphia after he was neutered

The plan became more complicated when a veterinarian discovered a tumor on his spleen.

Since he appeared to be strong and healthy, Chelsea launched a campaign to get donations for his surgery and related medical bills. Contributions began arriving, and then tests determined the tumor could be cancerous.

"I kept an email list of everyone (who contributed), and I asked if anyone wanted a refund," Chelsea said. "Everyone who responded was supportive. There was an 80 percent chance of cancer. The people who were supportive gave us the courage to go forward."

Gunner was rescued Jan. 20, and his surgery was performed Jan. 26. He did well and the tumor turned out to be benign. "A lot of people were praying."

Medical bills now total $1,606.19, and 40 donors have contributed $1,171. Go to http://gunnerblackandtan.

chipin.com/gunners-vet-expenses for more information.

"I can't believe total strangers have opened their hearts and wallets to this 10-year-old dog," said Chelsea, 27. "There is something endearing about a senior dog story."

She and Mark, 27, have fallen for Gunner. However, Chelsea added, "We are up to our ears in dogs."

Aside from fostering Gunner, they have four dogs of their own that have been rescued over the years.

They maintain busy schedules with caring for the animals and working full-time jobs.

She is director of sales and marketing at Golden Living Center in Glasgow, and he works for American Electric Power.

They also foster other dogs from time to time and help place them.

They don't feel they can take Gunner full-time but will be very particular about who gets him.

"We need to get him adopted," Chelsea said. "Gunner is inquisitive. He loves his ears rubbed. He's good with male and female dogs. He hears well and has good eyesight. He's healthy. Gunner's story is truly miraculous. This is a guy who beat the odds."

She believes Gunner's story delivers a message of hope for homeless animals, even geriatric ones.

Requirements for Gunner's adoption include: indoor home, fenced yard, vet references and a home visit.

For more information, email chel...@adoptagsp.org or call 304-549-5535.

Copyright 2013 Daily Mail   (Copyright Terms)
Updated 461 days ago   Article ID# 1448181

Kanawha / Charleston Humane Association    Visit Website

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