Stephen Foster works part-time maintenance at a gas station in Dade City, Florida. Since the recent death of his wife of 35 years, Stephen has relied on the love and companionship of his little dog Ollie. The pooch even accompanies him to work, happily watching his dad after the game is over.
A few weeks ago, Ollie was hit by a car that drove through the gas station parking lot and broke her leg. The vet tells Stephen that death therapy is his only option, but he and Ollie are about to meet a guardian angel. Actually, a whole bunch of them!
One animal control officer with Pasco . County Animal Services urged Stephen not to give up hope. The next day, the officer returned with veterinarian Christine Glenn, who transferred Ollie to the PCAS shelter for further care.
“Ollie is a special girl. He is this gentleman’s world. And without her, he doesn’t sleep well at night. This has been his companion since his wife passed away,” Dr Glenn told ABC Action News.
On examination, Dr. Glenn discovered that Ollie had internal injuries in addition to a broken leg and required surgery. PCAS medical team, along with volunteers from Tampa . Bay Humanitarian Association, Go fix Ollie’s torn diaphragm. Her prognosis was protected, but she proved to be a fighter, preparing for another surgery – this time for her broken leg – just days later.
With all of that in mind, Ollie began the long road to recovery. Stephen visits her in the infirmary every chance he gets over the next few weeks. It is clear to everyone who has witnessed their time together that Stephen and Ollie are truly in love.
“Her eyes softened at the sight of him, and her small body contorted. The love between humans and dogs is evident, and we at PCAS want to maintain this relationship,” the shelter wrote in an update on Facebook.
Finally, the day this couple has been waiting for has arrived. On Thursday, July 29, Ollie was discharged from the hospital!
She’s still not fully healed, but she’s well enough to spend the rest of her recovery at home with Stephen — with some follow-up at PCAS during that time. Once she is medically informed, Ollie’s friends at the shelter will provide her with a crate so she can safely accompany Stephen to work again.
“Ollie means a lot to me. Like I said, she’s my baby,” Stephen confided to ABC.
In addition to Dr. Glenn and the Tampa Bay Humane Society, the PCAS . credits a grant from Maddie’s Foundation and partnership with Animal support services for humans with their ability to save Ollie’s life.
Now Stephen can sleep well again with his beloved Ollie back by his side!
Check out their beautiful reunion in the video below.
H/T to News Action ABC
Featured images via Facebook / Pasco . County Animal Services
