Thirteen-year-old Mishi had known only one person her entire life—her dad. Since she was a tiny puppy, they had been inseparable. But when hardship struck and her owner was evicted, he faced an unbearable choice. He had to give her up so she could have a chance at a better life.
With nowhere else to turn, the pair walked three miles in the heat to Anita’s Stevens Swan Humane Society. When they arrived, Mishi’s dad tearfully surrendered her. He knew the shelter could offer what he no longer could—safety, food, and hope. It was an act of love, but one Mishi didn’t understand.
“When the owner left, Mishi was screaming and crying,” said Melissa DeMartino of the shelter in an interview with The Dodo. “She has been distraught for days.”
The staff rushed to comfort her with soft blankets, toys, and gentle affection. But her grieving cries echoed through the kennel. She couldn’t understand why her world had suddenly disappeared.
Clinging to Memories of the Road She Last Saw Him On
Each time Mishi was let outside, she gazes down the road. She tries to walk in the direction her dad left. Despite her age, she still shows moments of joy—especially when someone offers her affection. The gentle senior clearly longs for connection.
“Mishi seems to be good in any home where there are people around so she can get the attention she deserves,” said DeMartino.
She still walks fairly well. However, a suspected neurological issue causes her back legs to sway. She’s currently under evaluation to find the best treatment. In the meantime, she’s doing her best to stay strong.
A Bittersweet Goodbye, A Beautiful New Beginning
Despite her heartbreak, Mishi’s story quickly reached the hearts of many. After it spread online, the shelter shared an emotional update: Mishi had been adopted. The senior dog who once cried herself to sleep now has a new family to call her own.
Her dad’s painful decision wasn’t in vain. Mishi is safe, loved, and no longer alone.
She now spends her days in warmth and comfort. She has soft beds, gentle hands, and people who truly care. While she may never forget the man who raised her, Mishi is living the second chance he hoped she would have.
