Family Adopts Terminally Ill St. Bernard After Her Human Passes Away

A family adopts a St. Bernard with terminal cancer after her human dies

Stroodle lived a life full of love with an elderly man. Neighbors reported that the man was quiet and kept away from social agitation, but everyone knew he deeply loved his dog. When he unexpectedly died at the end of summer, neighbors assumed someone would come immediately to take Stroodle and assume care of her. They were wrong.

When days passed and no one appeared for Stroodle, neighbors banded together to care for her collectively. They provided food, let her go outside, and ensured she had fresh water. Eventually, someone did appear, but they did not take Stroodle with them.

One day, a moving truck arrived at the location. Workers packed up the entire contents of the house. They carried furniture and put belongings in boxes. They loaded the truck while emptying the house. Imagine how confused Stroodle must have been. Her man was gone. All his possessions were being taken out of the house. Surely, someone would take her, too.

Placer SPCA makes a TV appeal

After the house became empty, the workers left with the truck. They left Stroodle standing on the street. Alone. Realizing Stroodle had been abandoned, neighbors safely delivered her to the Placer SPCA shelter.

While living at SPCA, someone discovered that Stroodle had a large lump. This lump proved to be cancerous. Stroodle showed no signs of discomfort, but the tumor is malignant and will eventually lead to her death. This wonderful, loving creature went from being a beloved companion to being a homeless orphan suffering from a terminal illness. This broke everyone's hearts.

Placer SPCA arranged media coverage of Stroodle's situation. The director spoke about Stroodle's sweet temperament and how everyone at the shelter fell in love with her. They acknowledged, however, that they were making a rather large request, asking for someone to take this big dog who has only a few months of life left.

Stroodle comes home for the holidays

Among the many people who saw Stroodle's story, the Cotton family was the one who could not pass her by. After an honest discussion with their young children about Stroodle's health and life expectancy, the family agreed to go meet her.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Cotton family went to meet Stroodle and knew they could not say no. Everyone fell in love and knew they had to take her home to live out her remaining life in their loving care. The next day, that is exactly what they did.

This holiday season, we are so grateful to the Cotton family for opening their hearts and home to Stroodle. She will bring so much joy and love to the whole family for every day left in her life.