Jolene has been at Palmetto Animal League far too long, so one PAL volunteer made it his mission to help Jolene on her journey to find a home. Why does Ron Roth spend so much time helping shelter pets? It’s a matter of the heart.
“I felt an emptiness after our 14-year-old dog passed away, and I needed to find a way to fill that void,” explains Ron. “Time wasn’t helping. It had been a year, and the grief was still palpable. My wife and I decided adopting a pet was not in the cards for us at this point in our lives, so volunteering at PAL was a way for me to begin enjoying a dog’s company again.”
It’s simple. Ron needed healing. Jolene needed help. Jolene was born in a PAL foster home in December of 2020. She was adopted as a puppy and knew the love and comfort of a home for a time. Now back at our adoption center, Jolene is 3 years old, and she’s careful with her heart.
“My first walk with Jolene was not a success,” reflects Ron. “She went a few yards and then just sat. I kept at it, and after a couple of weeks, we started enjoying long walks together as well as outings around town.”
Jolene is not a fan of the lively energy in the kennel at PAL’s no kill adoption center. It makes her bark, and in turn, potential adopters shy away from meeting her. Every time Ron takes Jolene on an outing, it helps build her confidence.
“I was surprised to find out she is an absolute dream in the car,” says Ron. “The first time we loaded up for a ride, she was so comfortable. That’s the moment we started trusting each other.”
When Ron visits PAL, Jolene knows she’s going to get to explore all the great things the outside world has to offer.
“Jolene is wonderful to walk,” says Ron. “She’s always looking back at me to make sure I’m coming.”
Jolene is very curious in a quiet, respectful sort of way. She enjoys meeting new people and seems fascinated by us humans.
“It’s as if she understands that people watching is one of the best things in life,” says Ron smiling.
For Jolene, time spent away from the kennel means time enjoying the simple things.
“Sometimes just sitting by a tree, talking to a dog, and taking a breath with them is all they need to feel at ease.”
Jolene’s journey has been marked by joy, heartbreak, and hope. Today, we hope someone will read this story and bring Jolene’s journey full circle and into a loving, forever home. To schedule a meet-and-greet, call PAL at 843-645-1725.
By Amy Campanini, Palmetto Animal League President
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Thank you to our Partners in Rescue, The Bluffton Sun and The Hilton Head Sun for being beacons of compassion and hope for homeless pets in our community. Please show your support for these local animal loving businesses!
