One of our favorite things at the APL is helping an animal get a second chance at a loving home. Frankie was one of those who needed a fresh start.
Frankie was surrendered to the APL by his owner, who said he could not keep the small dog because he was aggressive around his food and not good with children or other dogs.
The APL staff accepted the six-year-old Shih-Tzu mix. They didn’t find him difficult to handle. But, they did notice that his hair was so matted that it was difficult for him to move. Volunteers and staff soon removed the mats and made him more comfortable, and the small dog’s true personality began to emerge.
Staff members watched Frankie carefully. He didn’t guard his food. He seemed to be housebroken. He liked going on walks, and passed by other dogs without much reaction. Maybe, they reasoned, the pain he suffered from his matted fur explained some of the less-than-ideal behavior his former owner had reported. Eventually, the little fellow graduated to playgroup, where he romped with the other dogs in the “Gentle and Dainty” class.
It was time for Frankie’s second chance. He went to the APL’s Parma PetSmart location, where he met Claudia. Claudia had been looking for a Shih-Tzu, after the unexpected loss her previous rescue, Timmy. Frankie immediately recognized Claudia’s kind heart, and climbed in her lap. He snuggled up to her husband, Matt, too. They adopted him that day.
Frankie was christened with his new name a couple of days later. He was named after Cleveland Indian Francisco Lindor, the cheerful baseball player with the magnetic smile. It was a perfect choice, because Frankie soon had so much to be happy about. Frankie not only has a loving home with Claudia and Matt, he also has an extended family that loves him. He plays with his two-year-old human cousin, who treats Frankie, and all other animals, gently. Frankie snoozes on the couch with his canine cousin, also a Shih-Tzu. He even comforted Matt’s grandma when she was sick, sleeping in her lap for hours. It’s not all rest and relaxation, though; Frankie takes long walks with Claudia and Matt in the Metroparks, too. There even may be a camping trip in Frankie’s future! And on a bright, sunny day in March, Claudia, Matt and Frankie were headed to Edgewater Park to try their hands (and paws) at fishing.
Looking at Frankie sitting on Claudia’s lap, it’s hard to believe he is the same dog surrendered to the APL less than a year before. He sits peacefully, accepting affectionate petting. His soft fur is beautifully groomed. He glances up frequently at Claudia, who smiles lovingly as she explains what a good dog Frankie is. When it’s time to go, Frankie jumps down, tail wagging, ready for his next adventure. Frankie deserved a second chance at a happy life, and thankfully he found it. Congratulations, Frankie, on your lovely new life!
Information about the Cleveland APL
To meet the adoptable animals at the Cleveland APL, visit our adoption center in Tremont at 1729 Willey Avenue in Cleveland or our PetSmart Charities® Everyday Adoption Center in the Parma PetSmart® store at 6870 Ridge Road. To view all of the animals who are waiting for loving homes online or on your mobile device, visit www.ClevelandAPL.org or download our free adoptions app on your iOS or Android device.
Our Facebook page is called “Cleveland Animal Protective League”. Here is the link to it for your reference: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cleveland-Animal-Protective-League/29396512928
Our Twitter handle is @Cleveland APL. Here is a link: https://twitter.com/ClevelandAPL
Carmen Rey
Cleveland Animal Protective League