Thumbelina- Healing and Winning Hearts

Lovable senior pup Thumbelina spent many years as a cherished family member. When her adoring owners unexpectedly experienced several significant life challenges, this sweet girl became a stray in Brockton.  Thankfully, Brockton Animal Control compassionately rescued this charismatic canine, whom they affectionately named Thumbelina.

While her original name was later discovered to be Luna, the name Thumbelina seemed too unique and adorable to change! A reflection of the many years she was diligently cared for by her original family, Thumbelina’s medical records showed an extensive history of treatment for her skin allergies, ear infections and a closely monitored heart murmur.

When an abnormal mass was discovered on Thumbelina’s foot, her care team recommended a fine needle aspiration (FNA), which unfortunately revealed cancer. Thumbelina underwent chest and leg X-rays to ensure the cancer had not spread. Thankfully, the images came back clean, so the recommended veterinary treatment was limited to a single toe amputation.

Thumbelina was fortunate to recover in the loving home of long-time Baypath adopter and foster Maggie Locher. She was an excellent houseguest, enjoying walks and car rides while also managing to get along with the Locher family’s senior cats! Despite being eight years old, Thumbelina often suddenly displayed her puppy-like side, breaking out into ‘zoomies’ while tossing and chasing her toys.

Thumbelina in her foster home 

Thumbelina’s charm proved truly irresistible to the Lochers, and she found herself with a special place not only in Maggie’s heart, but also on the bed – a first for any foster dog in her care. In fact, Maggie shares that before Thumbelina, she had never met a dog that loved being under the covers! “If the blanket slipped off during the night, Thumbelina would nose me awake so I could readjust her blankets,” Maggie says.

It didn’t take long before Thumbelina caught the attention of the Patterson family, who had recently said goodbye to their beloved (and spoiled) senior pittie. After welcoming Thumbelina into their loving home, the Patterson’s decided to bestow upon their new addition her original name. Today, Luna has wriggled her way into their hearts and has become an important part of their grieving and healing process. According to Luna’s adoptive mom, this goofy girl not only enjoys destroying stuffed toys and going for walks, but relishing in her all-time favorite pastime – “sleeping under the covers!”