08/29/2026
We want to take a second to introduce you to the newest member of South Paw Rescue, Grandpappy.
Grandpappy came into a shelter we work closely with as a stray. We receive emails every single day pleading and begging for help for dogs in dire need of rescue, and when we saw his face and read through his medical notes, we just knew there was no way we could allow him to live out the rest of his days in a shelter.
And before anyone gets the wrong idea, this does NOT mean the shelter he is coming from is ill-equipped, dirty, mismanaged, lacking in care, or anything along those lines. Quite the opposite.
They desperately work to place dogs in foster homes or with rescues when they are struggling in the shelter environment. These dogs receive full medical workups, radiographs, blood work, heartworm testing, and treatment for the ailments they arrive with.
And their commitment doesn’t end at the shelter doors. Their staff has driven eight hours round trip to bring dogs to South Paw Rescue simply because it meant giving those dogs a fighting chance. Think about that—eight hours on the road to make sure a dog gets an opportunity at a better life. That is not a shelter that doesn’t care. That is a shelter doing everything within its power to save the animals entrusted to them.
Some dogs adjust to shelter life. Some simply don’t.
Grandpappy is one of those dogs who deserves something different.
We will be completely transparent: Grandpappy’s future is undeniably uncertain.
He has ear infections, traumatic eye infections, an enlarged heart, suspected dilated cardiomyopathy, arthritis, pyoderma, gingivitis, significant dental disease—and to top it all off, a foreign body in his stomach. A spring, to be exact. Most likely from eating whatever he could find to stay alive after being abandoned.
Yeah. We know. It’s a long list.
And some of you are probably thinking we’re crazy for taking him on.
But others will understand that rescue work IS Grandpappy.
Rescue isn’t just puppies and kittens. It isn’t only taking the young, healthy, easily adoptable animals and posting happy adoption pictures.
Sometimes rescue is accepting that an old, loyal and innocent soul may not have years left to give you—and choosing him anyway.
It’s understanding that he deserves to spend whatever time he has left absolutely consumed by love.
Quality food.
Treats.
Filet mignon.
Golf cart rides.
A trip to the beach.
A soft bed.
Gentle hands.
And the dignity and comfort he should have had all along.
Grandpappy deserves a fighting chance to be comfortable. We have absolutely no idea how long he will be with us, and we are accepting of that. Whether we are blessed with weeks, months, or longer, we will cherish him for however long it takes to make sure that when he eventually leaves this earth, he leaves knowing his life mattered.
Because here’s something we wish more people understood:
Grandpappy was once a puppy, too.
He was once cute, young, and attractive. He was once the puppy ten people would have submitted applications for.
But puppies grow up.
They get gray faces. Their bodies slow down. They develop medical problems. They become seniors.
They become Grandpappy.
And if you aren’t prepared to love them, care for them, and stand beside them for their entire lives—get a stuffed animal.
Grandpappy officially touches down with South Paw Rescue on Monday. ❤️
Once he arrives, we’ll bring him to our veterinarian for another evaluation to determine what more we can do to keep him comfortable, happy, and spoiled beyond belief.
We don’t know what Grandpappy’s story looks like from here.
But we do know how this chapter will read:
He was wanted.
He was safe.
He was spoiled.
He was loved.
And his life mattered.
Welcome to South Paw Rescue, Grandpappy. 🐾❤️
If you would like to contribute toward Grandpappy’s veterinary care and help us give this sweet old man everything he deserves, please donate below.
Cashapp: https://cash.app/$southpawrescue
PayPal: [email protected]
Venmo: Betty-Budd
