Raleigh, N.C. — Just in time for the New Year, and within only a few days of Christmas, The SPCA of Wake County granted the final wish of a 10-year-old rescue dog with cancer.
Earlier in the week, they had posted a plea on Facebook, seeking a loving family to ease the final days of Joyanna, who had been surrendered to the shelter because of a volleyball-sized mammary tumor, which has metastasized to her lungs.
“Joyanna has spent her whole life outside and wasn’t given much attention,” wrote the SPCA of Wake County in a post. “We don’t know exactly how long she has, whether it’s days or weeks or longer, but we believe she shouldn’t spend her last days in a shelter. She deserves to spend this time in a warm home surrounded by the love of a family. Somewhere she can be held, spoiled and feel safe.”
Within only a few days of the post, multiple people reached out to the shelter to ask about adopting Joyanna. Her story was liked and shared more than 20,000 times, and she was flooded with love and support by readers.
On Thursday, Joyanna was adopted. The SPCA of Wake County shared photos showing her in the embrace of her new family, sleeping in her cozy bed by a Christmas tree, meeting her new brother, eating a puppuccino for the first time – and smiling wide in her new living room.
Joyanna’s last wish has been granted. For the first time in her life, she will experience being spoiled and loved and surrounded by family.
The ultimate gift to a dog in her last days
After being assessed by two veterinarians, it was determined the best thing to do for Joyanna would be to give her as much joy as possible in the time she has left.
“Joyanna’s heart is bursting with love and appreciation for every moment of attention she gets. She spends her days here snoozing away on a soft bed and getting love and cuddles whenever she can. And don’t be fooled, her spirits are high, and she’s got some pep in her step! Her tail wags away, and she loves being outside and rolling in the grass,” they wrote.
Many people have asked how they can support Joyanna and other dogs like her.
From now until midnight on New Year’s Eve, anyone who wants to help dogs like Joyanna can donate to the SPCA of Wake County, and their donations will be matched up to triple their amount.
