"Big" is a handsome senior gent who spent 10 long years living on the end of a tether in Portland, but that never diminished his spirit as you'll see in his video as he shows all the zest for life he still has.  He showed about as much appreciation as he could muster for all the volunteers and donors who became his champions to build him a fence for his new, safe yard so he can enjoy his retirement from the tethered life.

This special fence was generously sponsored by Dolores Handy and Lana McKay-Brown.  Lana even participated in Big's day of freedom in memory of her own special big black dog "Pepper" who she adopted when he was 13 years old!  Oh how sweet for her to honor her dog in such a giving way.

Special thank you to our own Melinda, one of Big's heroes who made sure he had the very best that Fences For Fido could offer.  Big was Melinda's very first dog she helped as a novice Client Outreach volunteer sent out to investigate a neighbor's report of Big's plight.  They are both now great friends for life.

You will also notice a very large and uncomfortable tumor that Big had to endure for quite some time.  As always, we are so appreciative of Smokey's Fund that enabled Big to receive the urgent surgery he needed to remove the tumor.   He has already recovered and as with so much in his life, took it in stride while trusting Melinda and FFF to make his life better.   A super thank you to Dr. Horner at Banfield Veterinary Hospital for giving much needed relief to Big by performing surgery to remove the large tumor.  And after this major surgery, Shanthi H. gave super care and shelter to Big while he was a pampered guest in her home.  While he was recovering, Big got a splendid vacation with friends who simply adore him.

Please enjoy some photos of Big's great day and a very uplifting, moving video created by Andrea K (both found below).  His smiling face that expresses obvious joy at meeting new friends and being free at last serves as the best kind of reason for volunteers to give their free time on a weekend morning.  He never gave up and we know it is never too late to change a dog's life.

We have so much gratitude to his family who was so happy to accept all of Fences For Fido's gifts and care that we showered upon their wonderful Big.  They are very grateful for how much we helped their dog and how his life will be so much improved from now on!  And this story is made even nicer because Big was nominated by his family's neighbors to receive the special help that Fences For Fido provides, so both families are very thrilled that we thoroughly embraced Big to give him all the help he needed.  We received this beautiful and heart-felt thank you note in appreciation of all Fences For Fido and Melinda did for Big:

Fences For Fido loves changing lives in this very way, for both people and fidos!

Big Video Love  "Waiting All His Life"  Despite his troubles, Big greets everyone he meets with huge smiles and love, and he clearly acts like a pup again in this touching video that captures the joy of this amazing dog as he absorbs every bit of attention from volunteers and finally experiences freedom to run!

(Don't forget to see Big's photo gallery below!)