03/22/2026
Sweet Hershey is finally at rest
On Friday morning, Hershey went home. His body finally said it had enough. The boy that defied all odds was ready for his next journey.
Hershey came to BARC Shelter in November after his owner died and no family stepped in to claim him. Based on his microchip, he was aged at 18 years, unheard of for a large male Labrador Retriever. He was 70 pounds and his chocolate coat and body were surprisingly in good shape. He had a terrible wheezing hack, later determined to be laryngeal paralysis. In his condition and age, he was not a potential foster candidate; he could only leave the shelter with a rescue group.
Believing he would likely be a relatively short hospice case, Friends of BARC, Inc., tagged him and he spent several days with a terrific foster Victoria Gutierrez, who figured out his weakness for deli meats. We will always be grateful for Victoria stepping up like she did.
Hershey was then transferred to foster Moselle Hindle, who became his real momma. What was supposed to only be a week or two stay turned into 5 months. Moselle doted on him like a toddler, taking him on sunset walks, to vet appointments and recently even daycare, and just waiting on him hand and foot despite already having a full house of other four-legged creatures. Hershey was the perfect guest. He fit right in with his charming disposition and was welcomed into her pack. Medication eased his hacking cough and he was able to enjoy a restful sleep each night. Despite losing his original family, he landed in a pretty damn good spot.
We will never forget you, sweet Hershey. A gentle giant who quickly stole our hearts. Bless you for coming into our lives, we look forward to seeing you again one day.
