The heart of any shelter employee or volunteer is not something to be scoffed at.

A past employee of Foothills Humane Society and current volunteer came to work there after retiring from military service and settling in this community. The sacrifice that any American veteran makes while protecting our freedom is admirable beyond words in itself.

But Adam continues to prove that his heart goes beyond selfless patriotism to limitless compassion toward unprotected animals. Over time during his employment, Adam adopted five dogs from FHS that are often seen walking together at his side in public. 

A couple of those handsome dogs needed not only special care, but time for wounds to heal and an opportunity to forget past lives that caused mistrust of humans.

Sadly, one recently passed away, but then along came a Doberman Pinscher that had been starved of nutrition and much needed medical attention. Less than 24 hours after hearing about him, Adam called the shelter to say he would take this innocent animal as well.

Adam knelt in front of him and the dog pushed his muzzle into Adam’s armpit, gazed up at him and wagged his tail to show appreciation for Adam’s gentle touch, the sound of his voice and his offer of friendship.

No longer will this beautiful dog simply exist and be ignored, tied far away from the sound of human voice or the touch of human hand.

Bravo Adam! You are my hero, in the purest definition of that word.

Sharon Rose, Columbus