Almost ten years after Hurricane Katrina, one rescued pup named Boots is giving back in the most adorable way.
Volunteers at the Arizona Humane Society saved Boots, along with 300 other animals in Louisiana, back in 2005 after the deadly hurricane wreaked havoc on the region. The Chow-Golden Retriever mix, only two years old at the time, was found with severe burns on his paws by the AHS Emergency Animal Medical Technicians. “Hence, how he got the name Boots,” remarked Bretta Nelson, a spokeswoman for the humane society.
Boots was never reunited with his family, so an AHS volunteer fostered and later adopted him. And now, ten years after heading off to his furever home, Boots is heading back to the humane society. This time, though, he’s there to snuggle with kittens.
“It’s fun to see him again after so many years. He’s been an unofficial nanny for us,” said feline welfare specialist Liz Truitt, who was involved with the AHS team that traveled to Louisiana in 2005 to aid in the rescue effort. “When he came into the nursery, he was the perfect dog for this role, because he’s so laid-back. He doesn’t care about what the kittens [do]. He doesn’t get excited. He doesn’t get in their face. He just basically lets them come to him on their terms. It’s the perfect first interaction with a dog for these guys.”
Boots is an essential part of the team at the Humane Society, and his gentle demeanor helps the kittens relax while encouraging them to have positive experiences with dogs, which helps increase their chances of being adopted. And Boots seems to enjoy cuddling with his new purring pals. Sounds like a win-win for everyone involved!
Featured image via Arizona Humane Society