Stray finds health and a home through community support

MOSES LAKE — Helio, also known as Henry, is a 12-year-old collie mix, who arrived at the Grant County Animal Outreach on Oct. 17 after being abandoned in Moses Lake. He had a desperate need for dental care. The animal rescue assumed he would lose all of his teeth and asked for help collecting funds to pay for the around $1,000 surgery.  

After a successful donation campaign, the dog was booked for dental surgery which happened Nov. 19 — resulting in some extractions but not all his teeth like previously anticipated.  

Helio’s ultimate goal throughout the ordeal was to find a home for the holidays. As of Thursday, Helio was adopted by Ann Treischel of Moses Lake. Treischel said she had been following Helio since he arrived at the shelter with his dental issues — debating whether or not to adopt him. 

“I just couldn't see him spending another day at that age in the shelter,” Treischel said. “Even though he was very well taken care of, he deserves his own home.”  

She said she has been wanting to adopt an elderly dog for some time, but with some concerns around her health, she waited. After she received a clean CT scan last week she messaged the shelter again regarding the availability of Helio. Then on Thursday, she decided it was time for him to come home with her.  

“He's great,” Treishel said. “I have a big deck and a big back yard. He's out on the deck just kind of looking around and seeing what's going on. We're getting ready to go for a walk. I walk about four times a day anyway, which I don't want a huge amount of distance, but we're starting slow because his back legs are a little wobbly.” 

GCAO wants to thank everyone who donated, shared his story and helped him find his fur-ever home. The senior boy looks forward to many walks and cuddles with his new owner.  

“He's just the greatest old old dog,” Treischel said. “He did really good overnight. He's just settled right in.”