Karma’s Story
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Meet Karma!
Do you believe in Holiday miracles? At PHS we get the opportunity to see them on a daily basis. One amazing story started around this time last year when a sweet 6-year-old chocolate Labrador Retriever mix named Karma came into the care of the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS).
Karma was a familiar friend of PHS’ as he and his previous owner fell on hard times. Over a number of years Karma’s previous owner struggled with homelessness and challenges with addiction, and mental health, and often Karma would enter the shelter on a temporary basis. After exhausting all options, Karma was surrendered into PHS’ care knowing that it was the best option for him and his future, and this is where his story takes an incredible turn.
Thanks to donors like you, PHS can continue to provide life changing care for animals in need within our community!
Karma needed our help! Thanks to the caring team’s dedication to provide an individualized plan, knowing that it would be extensive, he was given all of the love and support he needed to start his new journey of purpose, and we couldn’t begin to imagine the healing power this boy harnessed. After going through professional enrichment and training (and getting lots of good boy treats) Karma slowly came out of his shell, shedding the trauma he endured over the years on the streets. He was finally ready to take the next step, becoming available for adoption!
While there was some interest in Karma, the truth is, 6-year-old dogs with a troubled past are not the most popular choice when put up for adoption. It takes a special family to make the commitment to give dogs like Karma a second chance at life. We couldn’t have imagined, but Karma’s future family needed him as much as he needed them.
I had been watching the Peterborough Humane Society’s site, in search of a dog for our family. When I saw Karma’s picture online a ‘light switch went off’ and I had to meet this dog!” shared, Laurie Strawbridge “When we took the family for our meet-and-greet, we just knew, at that moment. It was an instant connection for us, and a huge moment in our life.
Our daughter Megan never made a connection with any of our dogs, until Karma. This adoption and inclusion of Karma into our household has been a huge life-changing event. It has made such a difference in our life travels through the Autism journey with Megan. Megan was fairly introverted and untrusting until Karma. She began going outdoors more for a healthier lifestyle and Karma sleeps with Megan every night in her bed. When Megan is upset, she wants to know where Karma is to help calm her down. We could have never expected a family pet could make such a difference to us – and to Karma.
Karma came to PHS a broken soul, who became whole again through the power of love that PHS staff provided him. After 149 long days in care, he is now healing the lives of his new family, making them whole as well. You can never underestimate the power of the human-animal bond.
Laurie and Phil live on a Dairy Farm with their three children, Sarah, Megan and Andrew. Karma is close with everyone in the family, and has truly found his purpose. Karma loves life on the farm; meeting cows, running in the fields with acres of land all to himself. HE IS AT HOME!
He fit in the second he got home. We just wanted to give him the best life possible. It felt like we adopted a celebrity! When we took him home from the shelter the staff were incredibly emotional knowing he was going to make a positive difference in our lives. They sent him off with lots of hugs, and a round of applause! Even now people still recognize him, he has touched many lives.” shared Laurie “We just absolutely love him. It’s like he has always been here. Somehow our life is different now. It’s filled with so much more togetherness and love. He came into our life right when we needed him.
It takes incredible passion to make ‘happily-ever-afters’ like this happen. Our amazing community came together, shoulder to shoulder, to support Karma and his journey, and we couldn’t be more thankful. But Karma is just one of the over one thousand remarkable animals PHS cares for every year. We need the continued support of our community, and individuals like you to help these animals in need.
This holiday season, be the life changing miracle for animals in need, just like Karma!
You can make an impact – Please Give.
Rachel, Placement Coordinator
Peterborough Humane Society