A HERO’S JOURNEY

This story is written by Hercules. A 5-year-old, mixed-breed on his very own personal hero’s journey. Hercules’s favorite quote originated from the Disney version of his namesake
“I would go most anywhere to find where I belong.”

Hercules has always believed in heroes, both finding them and becoming your own.

This is his story.

Hercules waits for his new family.

I love my name. I’ve always enjoyed hero stories, ever since I was a young pup. I’m attracted to the mystery, the challenges, the triumphs. So, to be named after one of the greatest heroes of all time is a great honor.

In every hero’s journey, there are 3 parts: the separation, the transition and the return. (The return was always my favorite!) So, I will share my journey with you in the same way:

THE SEPARATION

It is hard for me to talk about this part without getting choked up, but I found myself at Anchorage Animal Care & Control right after New Year’s. Those entrusted to care for me had taken me to the vet and then never came back. Like all good heroes, I did have a weakness. I guess you could call it my Achilles’ heel; I had this lump at the base of my tail that needed to be removed. Maybe that is why I was left….

THE TRANSITION

I had a dream one night after being at AACC for about two-weeks. In the dream, I saw another dog. He was very happy, playing and being cared for by a sweet family. I had dreams like this all the time, but this one was a little different. Before the dream ended the dog turned to me (the bright shiney tag on his collar read Max) and he said, “they are coming for you Herc, just wait, they are coming.” I woke up immediately and felt a little better.

A few days later, I was resting in my kennel, when some potential adopters came walking through. This happens often and I was tired of getting my hopes up. Today was also my birthday and no one had noticed. So, I was being grumpy. I went to move to the back of the kennel; it was then that I saw the potential adopters were the people from my dream! The same people Max had said were coming for me. I immediately barked with joy. They noticed me with smiles; they also noticed the lump near my tail, but it did not seem to bother them. I bounced around their legs and gave them both kisses. I knew, in that moment, that these were my heroes.

THE RETURN

I am so very happy with my new family and thankful to Max for sending them to me. I also got to meet Max posthumously through, scents, pictures and memories in my house. You see Max was my owners’ much-loved dog. He passed away when he was 11-years-old and our owners had asked him to send them another dog, which turned out to be me. My pup-daddy loves telling the story of why they went to AACC that day. He said that Max told him to go.

Just like any Hero’s story, ours wouldn’t be complete without a little magic.

Honorably yours,

Hercules

Hercules loving life with his new dad.

AFTER THE STORY UPDATE

Parts of Herc’s story was shared with us through his new mom.. She says that her family is so very happy with their new pup “he is a sweet, loving dog who just needed a chance at being healthy! This is his forever home!” Hercules came to AACC on 1/3/17. He was adopted on 1/15/17.  His owners had the lump near the base of his tail checked out and it was first thought that the tail would need to be removed. Herc’s family posted on craigslist about the upcoming medical expenses and were trying to raise funds to help with the costs. The post was brought to AACC’s attention and the Center Director approved $300 from a medical assistance grant received from the ASPCA in 2016 to help the family.  Dr. Tom McGregor of Chugach Veterinary Practice later removed the tumor. Hercules goes to work with his owner at an auto repair shop nearly every day. He enjoys being the “shop dog” and the company of his doggie-girlfriend, Bella. They are currently living happily ever after.

Hercules in the largest cone EVER!

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