When his owner was struck by a car and passed away, seven-year-old Buddy was left alone in the house in Byhalia, Miss. His only source of love and comfort was gone, and the confused, sad dog waited for somebody to save him. Camille Sims, who is originally from Fredericksburg and had moved to Byhalia with her husband last year, was familiar with Buddy. The friendly dog would often play with her dogs, and the last thing she wanted was to send him somewhere that he’d be euthanized.
“I went to the neighbor’s home to check on Buddy, and I found her son there in a panic,” said Sims. “He didn’t want Buddy, because his wife recently had a baby and he didn’t know what to do with him.”
Sims knew exactly what to do, so she immediately brought Buddy home with her and kept him for a month. She contacted her long-time, childhood friend, Chrissy Blake, the founder of Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS), to see if she could help. Blake helped Sims orchestrate a transport that consisted of several volunteers to get Buddy to his final destination at ODHS in Fredericksburg.
“I was one of seven volunteers who drove sections of the trip,” said Sims. “Buddy was passed from one volunteer to the next like a baton in a race where the finish line would be ODHS,” said Sims. “The transfer was from Mississippi to Fredericksburg, a two-day trip that stretched about 820 miles.”
After his long journey and a series of pick-ups and transfers, anybody would understand if Buddy was tired and irritable. However, it wasn’t the case where this resilient dog was concerned—he remained sweet and is described by volunteers as a “gentleman.”
Dodging euthanization and the cross-country trip weren’t Buddy’s only hurdles to overcome. This canine had a massive double hernia, which caused significant problems with his bowels, and he also tested positive for heartworms. ODHS needed to address the two health crises immediately.
Volunteers posted the information about Buddy on the ODHS Facebook page, pleading with the community for donations to cover the hernia surgery. A good samaritan stepped up and graciously donated $1,000. The donations were able to cover the surgery, and Buddy is currently recuperating in the care of a foster family. While in foster care, the lovable canine will receive medications for his hernia surgery and heartworms. He’ll also get the love and attention he deserves.
“Buddy’s story is heartbreaking,” said Blake. “ODHS is a no-kill rescue, and it was evident that if people didn’t intervene and get him across the country, this sweet boy could’ve been euthanized. The volunteers made sure he’d have a second chance. With Buddy recovering in a foster home, he'll have that chance and will hopefully be adopted by a family who’ll appreciate this amazing dog.”
Buddy already has a stellar reputation with the volunteers at ODHS. Calm and sweet, he gets along with dogs and kids. He loves to snuggle in soft blankets and walks well on a leash. He’s available as a foster-to-adopt or adoption to a forever family. The volunteers think he’s one of the sweetest dogs at ODHS and will be a wonderful addition to a caring family.
Sims, who volunteered at ODHS previously, considers herself a long-distance supporter. She has adopted three rescues from ODHS and has watched Blake’s rescue grow significantly since its beginnings in 2013.