Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary is trying to help a family place their dog after the death of his human companion.

Desperately Seeking Yogi’s Forever Home

Meet Yogi.

Yogi is a gorgeous 6 ½ year old German Shepherd mix who is in desperate need of a special home. Yogi was the beloved companion for a woman who went into the hospital in June for medical testing, during which time she placed Yogi in a boarding facility “temporarily.” Unfortunately, the woman died unexpectedly at the hospital, leaving Yogi homeless at the boarding kennel. No doubt his owner would be heartbroken to learn what has become of him. Imagine the profound neglect and sadness Yogi must feel knowing that his lovely human companion has not come back for him in all this time.

Over the past two-plus months, Yogi has grown to hate being incarcerated and has become cage aggressive when he gets returned to his cage. He is stressed, due to lack of exercise and lives in a constant state of fear due to his environment. His life of freedom, peace and tranquility that he knew his entire life is gone. Every day he suffers in this cage. One day, the stress became too much and he attacked another dog at the kennel. As a result, the kennel staff is reluctant to walk him. Instead they let Yogi out in the play-yard. However, it so happens that the play-yard is lined with kenneled dogs, which means that all those other dogs go crazy barking when he goes out there, which only causes him more stress and causes him to misbehave. Now he doesn’t go out at all. Yogi’s situation is dire.

This is one of the saddest stories we have ever heard, so we are reaching out to our community on Yogi’s behalf, despite the fact that he is technically not an Our Companions animal. Here is the grimmest part of this already heartbreaking story: The family of the deceased cannot take Yogi in because they have cats. They have set September 30th as the date for his euthanasia because the funds family and friends have raised for his boarding have been depleted. The sad fact is that Yogi wouldn’t last much longer in this kennel anyway.

This is an animal who lovingly provided comfort and a sense of safety and protection to his human companion during their years together. They had a fenced in yard, which was perfect for him. This boy needs to play and run again. We are trying to help the family in a desperate attempt to find the right FOREVER home. The home we'd like to see for Yogi is without children, cats, or other dogs. His new owner needs to be an experienced pet owner. Our hope is that once Yogi is in a home, he will calm down and become more focused and re- learn the good manners he once had.

Our Companions is prepared to offer training to the new owner and Yogi at no cost. If you have the right lifestyle and want to permanently add Yogi to your family, please call Daryl at 860-242- 9999, ext 302 or email Daryl@OurCompanions.org. We need your help immediately! His family will be euthanizing him on September 30th. Please cross post and help us try to save Yogi’s life.