Sheryl Smith has dedicated many years to rescuing and rehoming animals, often focusing on those who have been abandoned or overlooked by others. When she first learned about Shiro, a dog who was partially blind and deaf, and had been passed through two shelters and 12 foster homes, she knew she couldn’t let him suffer any longer. Shiro had been adopted and returned four different times, and his anxiety was overwhelming. Smith knew that he needed stability and love, so she made the decision to adopt him herself, ensuring he would finally experience the warmth and security of a forever home.
Although Shiro proved to be a challenge, Smith was determined not to give up on him like everyone else had. She and her family welcomed him into their lives in 2018, and though his anxiety still lingers, they were committed to giving him the care and attention he needed. Even today, Shiro cries in the car, thinking he might be abandoned again. Despite the struggles, Smith remains steadfast in her love for him, proving that some animals just need the right person to help them heal.
Despite the challenges Shiro still faces, he has made incredible progress since his family first met him. His difficult past has shaped him into a compassionate soul with a deep empathy for other animals in need. From the moment Shiro joined his new family, he instinctively began comforting all the other rescue animals that came through their home, offering them the same love and support he had received.
“Just after his rescue l rescued a pregnant dog who was too sick to care for her pups, so Shiro climbed in with them and started cleaning them,” Smith said. “He’s done that with every rescue I take in. He will just sit patiently with the feral cats/kittens and bonds so strongly with them, they trust him before they trust me.”
Recently, Smith learned about a tiny feral kitten, later named Tiny Tolley, who was sick and struggling to survive. Without hesitation, she went out to find her and bring her into the safety of her home. When she saw the poor kitten, Smith was shocked by how thin and frail she was, and immediately began working to nurse her back to health. If Tiny Tolley had been left on her own any longer, she likely wouldn’t have made it. From the moment the kitten arrived, Shiro could sense her vulnerability and quickly stepped in to offer his comforting presence, as if he understood the importance of helping another soul in need.
“Shiro never left her crate for a second,” Smith said. “He knew she was so sick and so scared and that she needed to be comforted.”
Slowly, Tolley began to gain her strength back, and yet Shiro still refused to leave her side. As she cuddled in Smith’s lap, Shiro came over to help too …
… and couldn’t help but give her a big kiss to comfort her — which Tolley wasn’t entirely sure about.
Tiny Tolley is getting stronger every day, and with each passing moment, her health improves. Once she’s fully recovered, Smith plans to find her a loving forever home where she can thrive. In the meantime, Shiro remains a steady source of comfort, offering his gentle support to all the foster animals that pass through their home, ensuring they feel safe and loved just as he once did.
“His love and compassion for the other rescues is nothing short of amazing,” Smith said.
