Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Beth needed Pandie just as much as Pandie needed her – she just didn’t know it. Pandie, a sweet senior cattle dog mix, had been at the VBSPCA nearly four months when Beth first saw her online. Beth was still grieving the recent loss of a longtime canine companion, but something about Pandie stuck with her. The two shared a tearful first meeting at the shelter, and two days later Beth finalized Pandie’s adoption.
We recently caught up with Beth to see how Pandie is enjoying a life of unceasing love.
How did you know Pandie was the one for you?
We lost Scarlett – our rescue mutt of 11 years – on June 8, 2024. I did not expect my heart to be healed enough to adopt another dog so quickly, but a few weeks later, Pandie’s photos came up on my Facebook feed. Every morning, right when I woke up, I found myself checking that post, not understanding why someone hadn’t adopted this sweet pup. Later, a volunteer posted a short video of Pandie at the beach on a Beach Buddies outing. We live at the Oceanfront, and I wanted to share that happiness with Pandie every day! On July 6, I visited Pandie with my granddaughter. She took a video of Pandie hugging me and licking me while tears streamed down my face, and we both knew that Pandie was my new soul mate. Pandie officially came home two days later, one month to the day after Scarlett crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
How is Pandie doing in the home?
Pandie felt very comfortable from day one. She was immediately on all the couches and beds, even though she has four dog beds of her own. Unfortunately, Pandie’s excitement about her new beach life resulted in a torn cruciate ligament (a knee ligament similar to the ACL in humans) over the summer, and she had orthopedic surgery. She recovered like an absolute champion, with her surgeon saying even her non-injured leg that had signs of joint disease looks much healthier!
The six weeks of intense caregiving time was extremely bonding for the two of us. Pandie eats home-cooked meals and has lost seven pounds from her time in the shelter. When people meet her, they can’t believe that she was recently injured or that she is almost nine years old! She’s really started to get her puppy energy back.
What sort of activities do you do together?
Pandie’s activity was very limited when she was hurt, but she loved being pushed in her dog stroller when I ran. Now, she and I do at least one 2-3 mile walk/hike per day, but she still fancies her stroller. She will run outside and jump in it for us to go on longer adventures outside. She LOVES the trails of First Landing State Park near our house and has spent the warmer winter days reacclimating to water exercise at the Narrows. We have just gotten back to Oceanfront walks as well. Pandie is also a wonderful road trip companion – already accompanying us on trips to Blacksburg, Northern Virginia and Washington D.C., and Charlotte, N.C., with more to come!
Does Pandie have any funny quirks?
Pandie gives the best hugs, which I knew from the day I met her. She wraps her front legs around my shoulders and puts the full weight of her upper body against me. For several months she was unable to put full weight on the rear leg, so she’s making up for it by hugging me every chance she gets. She can frequently be found laid out on her back around the house, making sure she’s prepared for ALL THE BELLY RUBS. Her tail is also in perpetual motion, occasionally swiping a drink off the coffee table or an ornament off the Christmas tree! When she’s exceptionally happy, her tail goes into full 360-degree wag mode.
How has Pandie enriched your lives so far?
She’s healed my broken heart, which is more than anyone can ask of any being. The house is full of joy again, and I look forward to coming home to her circular tail and abundant kisses. She’s also keeping me active, even when it’s freezing cold, because we have to keep up with her rehab and manage her weight.
Pandie was very much loved in her past life, but unavoidable family circumstances brought her to the VBSPCA. This is heartbreaking, but I am so happy to be able to give her twice as much love every day, since I only get to love her half as long. She gives me three times as much love in return!
Last Updated: January 9, 2025 by vbspcaadmin
Happy Tails | Pandie
Every single animal that comes through our shelter has a story. Some are complex, many are sad, but all of them get better the minute they arrive at the Virginia Beach SPCA. Beth needed Pandie just as much as Pandie needed her – she just didn’t know it. Pandie, a sweet senior cattle dog mix, had been at the VBSPCA nearly four months when Beth first saw her online. Beth was still grieving the recent loss of a longtime canine companion, but something about Pandie stuck with her. The two shared a tearful first meeting at the shelter, and two days later Beth finalized Pandie’s adoption.
We recently caught up with Beth to see how Pandie is enjoying a life of unceasing love.
We lost Scarlett – our rescue mutt of 11 years – on June 8, 2024. I did not expect my heart to be healed enough to adopt another dog so quickly, but a few weeks later, Pandie’s photos came up on my Facebook feed. Every morning, right when I woke up, I found myself checking that post, not understanding why someone hadn’t adopted this sweet pup. Later, a volunteer posted a short video of Pandie at the beach on a Beach Buddies outing. We live at the Oceanfront, and I wanted to share that happiness with Pandie every day! On July 6, I visited Pandie with my granddaughter. She took a video of Pandie hugging me and licking me while tears streamed down my face, and we both knew that Pandie was my new soul mate. Pandie officially came home two days later, one month to the day after Scarlett crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
How is Pandie doing in the home?
Pandie felt very comfortable from day one. She was immediately on all the couches and beds, even though she has four dog beds of her own. Unfortunately, Pandie’s excitement about her new beach life resulted in a torn cruciate ligament (a knee ligament similar to the ACL in humans) over the summer, and she had orthopedic surgery. She recovered like an absolute champion, with her surgeon saying even her non-injured leg that had signs of joint disease looks much healthier!
What sort of activities do you do together?
Pandie’s activity was very limited when she was hurt, but she loved being pushed in her dog stroller when I ran. Now, she and I do at least one 2-3 mile walk/hike per day, but she still fancies her stroller. She will run outside and jump in it for us to go on longer adventures outside. She LOVES the trails of First Landing State Park near our house and has spent the warmer winter days reacclimating to water exercise at the Narrows. We have just gotten back to Oceanfront walks as well. Pandie is also a wonderful road trip companion – already accompanying us on trips to Blacksburg, Northern Virginia and Washington D.C., and Charlotte, N.C., with more to come!
Does Pandie have any funny quirks?
How has Pandie enriched your lives so far?
She’s healed my broken heart, which is more than anyone can ask of any being. The house is full of joy again, and I look forward to coming home to her circular tail and abundant kisses. She’s also keeping me active, even when it’s freezing cold, because we have to keep up with her rehab and manage her weight.
Pandie was very much loved in her past life, but unavoidable family circumstances brought her to the VBSPCA. This is heartbreaking, but I am so happy to be able to give her twice as much love every day, since I only get to love her half as long. She gives me three times as much love in return!
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