Last Valentine’s Day, Eros came into the care of SBR after we received a call from a county shelter. The 13 year-old basset mix had been found as a stray. No one came forward to claim him, and it was clear he was facing significant medical challenges. He was heartworm positive and dealing with a long list of health concerns, and the shelter feared his time there would be short.
We knew he deserved better than that.
In honor of his arrival just after Valentine’s Day, he was named Eros, after the Greek god of love. While the name fit, the family who came to love him most quickly had several other affectionate nicknames that may have fit him better. Danielle said she called him Bug, Sir, or Mr. Man while Danielle’s mom called him Sweet Pea. Truth be told, Eros likely didn’t mind what he was called—by that point his hearing wasn’t very good anyway—but he always seemed to know when someone was speaking to him with love.
Eros found exactly what every dog hopes for: a home filled with kindness, patience, and love. Danielle and her parents opened their hearts and their home to him, giving him the gift every senior dog deserves—comfort, security, and a family who cherished him deeply. Though his time with us was far too short, Eros lived an incredible final chapter. He was surrounded by affection, spoiled in the very best ways, and reminded every day that he mattered. For a dog who once had no one, Eros left this world with a family who adored him.
Today, our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our sweet boy, but we are also deeply grateful. Grateful that he did not spend his final days alone in a shelter. Grateful that he knew warmth, soft beds, good food, and gentle hands. And most of all, grateful to Danielle and her parents for loving him so much. Thank you for giving Eros the beautiful life he deserved in his final days.
Run free, sweet Eros. May you find endless sunshine, soft grass, and all the love you carried in your heart waiting for you at the Bridge.