11 days ago
263
11
Posted On: October 25th 2026, 07:32 am
Would you live in your car for 16 months rather than surrender your beloved dog?
How would you shower? Keep your job? Survive the freezing winter and scorching summer?
For 16 months, that was the reality for Heidi and her human.
With crisis accommodation refusing pets, Heidi's mum chose to live in her car rather than give up her best friend.
But eventually, it became too much. After fighting so hard to stay together, she faced an impossible choice. At 10 years old, Heidi found herself in a shelter.
That's when Kate and Sunanda came into her life.
“She had a lovely retirement,” they told us when they recently visited our HQ.
After 6.5 beautiful years together, Heidi had passed away at 16.
Through tears, they shared stories of their sassy girl. How she helped a child overcome their fear of dogs. How she demanded attention, but only on her terms. How she adored the beach and, even more, her food!
Fried rice, hamburgers, steak nights. Heidi enjoyed all the finer things in life.
Kate laughed as she described Heidi as a “country music-listening, chain smoker. Although, she quit after losing all her teeth...”
But what moved me most was what they shared next.
They often thought about Heidi's first human, and how heartbreaking it must have been to surrender the dog she'd sacrificed so much to keep.
They knew Heidi had been deeply loved, that surrendering her was never a decision made lightly.
So, to honour her memory, they brought Heidi's things and medications to donate, along with a generous gift to help others facing hardship keep their pets.
Their compassion moved me, because this is exactly why we exist.
No one should have to choose between a safe place to sleep and keeping their best friend.
Heidi was lucky. She found 2 extraordinary people who gave her a beautiful second chapter. Sadly, not every senior pet gets that chance.
Kate and Sunanda, thank you for loving Heidi, honouring the human who came before you, and turning your grief into hope.
And to Heidi's first human, wherever you are, we hope life has been kinder to you. We hope you know Heidi lived a happy life surrounded by love.
Fly high over the rainbow bridge, beautiful Heidi. 🌈
How would you shower? Keep your job? Survive the freezing winter and scorching summer?
For 16 months, that was the reality for Heidi and her human.
With crisis accommodation refusing pets, Heidi's mum chose to live in her car rather than give up her best friend.
But eventually, it became too much. After fighting so hard to stay together, she faced an impossible choice. At 10 years old, Heidi found herself in a shelter.
That's when Kate and Sunanda came into her life.
“She had a lovely retirement,” they told us when they recently visited our HQ.
After 6.5 beautiful years together, Heidi had passed away at 16.
Through tears, they shared stories of their sassy girl. How she helped a child overcome their fear of dogs. How she demanded attention, but only on her terms. How she adored the beach and, even more, her food!
Fried rice, hamburgers, steak nights. Heidi enjoyed all the finer things in life.
Kate laughed as she described Heidi as a “country music-listening, chain smoker. Although, she quit after losing all her teeth...”
But what moved me most was what they shared next.
They often thought about Heidi's first human, and how heartbreaking it must have been to surrender the dog she'd sacrificed so much to keep.
They knew Heidi had been deeply loved, that surrendering her was never a decision made lightly.
So, to honour her memory, they brought Heidi's things and medications to donate, along with a generous gift to help others facing hardship keep their pets.
Their compassion moved me, because this is exactly why we exist.
No one should have to choose between a safe place to sleep and keeping their best friend.
Heidi was lucky. She found 2 extraordinary people who gave her a beautiful second chapter. Sadly, not every senior pet gets that chance.
Kate and Sunanda, thank you for loving Heidi, honouring the human who came before you, and turning your grief into hope.
And to Heidi's first human, wherever you are, we hope life has been kinder to you. We hope you know Heidi lived a happy life surrounded by love.
Fly high over the rainbow bridge, beautiful Heidi. 🌈
Comments (11)
10 days ago_mon_mon_
Awwwwww @youknowsunanda 💔 what a sweet second life you were able to offer darling Heidi!
11 days agomichelleereau
That is a great story, Heidi was a lucky dog to find three special humans in her life. I do hope her first one is living a better and easier life now.
11 days agoyouknowsunanda
Thank you so much for sharing Heidi’s story. We loved her very much and it’s nice to know that she will live on in many people’s hearts. Also most of all, thank you for the incredible work you do with so much love and care 🫶🏾✨🙏🏾
11 days agokezandtedi
🩷🩷🩷🩷 Heidi looks like she was a beautiful girl, hugs to her first & second loving families.
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