Often, our work goes far beyond animal care and becomes deeply human.

In June 2025, Paddington, a dog originally adopted from the New Hampshire SPCA, found himself back in our care. He had come in as a stray via animal control and, after a seven-day hold with no reclaim, the other facility moved forward with the abandonment processes before transferring him back to us.

When our team heard the name Paddington, it was instant recognition. He had been in and out of our care multiple times over the years. We knew his story. His owners, a couple struggling with housing instability and complex medical needs, had always done their best to reclaim him.

But this time was different.

We learned that one of Paddington’s owners had passed away, and the other, Ken, had suffered a serious accident, leaving him hospitalized with serious mobility concerns.

Despite his circumstances, Ken was determined to get Paddington back. He told us plainly Paddington was all he had left. Paddington was in good health, up-to-date on vaccines, and clearly well cared for when he arrived to us. We saw the bond between them not only in Ken’s words but in the condition and demeanor of Paddington.

While Ken remained in the hospital, day after day he tried to make arrangements for Paddington calling on everyone and anyone he knew to see if anyone could provide a safe haven to Paddington until he was released. One of Ken’s providers even reached out to us, saying Ken spoke constantly about his dog, worrying over his safety and well-being, even above his own.

With no friends or family to help, Ken relied solely on the NHSPCA to keep Paddington safe until they could be together again. Paddington remained in our care for over a month, until Ken was finally discharged.

On July 11, we had the privilege of reuniting them. It was an emotional moment. We honestly don’t know who was more overjoyed, Ken or Paddington. Though Ken’s living situation was precarious, temporarily housed at a motel, we made sure he knew we were still here for him. We asked him to stay in touch, and he promised he would.

Three days later, on July 14, Ken called again. He had missed several medical treatments, was being evicted from his motel, and through tears and exhaustion, said he couldn’t do it anymore. He asked to surrender Paddington.

This wasn’t the outcome we had hoped for, but I take comfort in knowing Ken made the decision for Paddington himself. We honored his autonomy and his bond with his dog, provided the resources we could and kept the line of communication open. We gave him the dignity of choice, in a life where so much has been taken from him.

This story is a powerful reminder that our work is not only about saving animals, but also about supporting people, too. We don’t just serve homeless pets, we serve the people who love them, no matter their circumstances.

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