Lee, heartbroken from losing three Dobermans, never planned to adopt another dog. But then, Sabrina, a quirky greyhound with a “dropped muscle” condition that ended her racing career, entered his life and changed everything.
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Sabrina, the greyhound, was considered unwanted due to a unique physical condition where a muscle, usually positioned at the top of her legs, had dropped to the bottom. This anomaly, although painless, significantly slowed her down, thus prematurely ending her racing career. She found herself shuffled from a clearinghouse in Birmingham, Alabama, for unwanted greyhounds to various locations until she was finally transported to an adoption agency in Seattle, Washington in April 2019.
Lee, who had previously endured the pain of losing three beloved Dobermans in just three and a half years, had sworn off adopting any more dogs. However, during a vacation, a photograph of Sabrina caught his eye, and he was drawn to her instantly. So much so, that he cut his holiday short and embarked on an 11-hour drive to meet her. Upon meeting, Sabrina immediately leaped into Lee and his partner’s laps, a gesture that sealed her new home.
Despite warnings from the adoption agency about her being overly active, Lee found Sabrina’s vibrant and goofy personality endearing. Sabrina was sociable, adored by neighbors, and exhibited almost human-like traits of politeness and tact. Unlike other greyhounds who might endure lengthy hikes, Sabrina preferred shorter walks and spent much of her time resting contentedly.
Sabrina’s presence brought a profound emotional connection to Lee’s life. She was intuitively responsive to his emotions, providing comfort during times of sadness or joy, embodying traits of a therapy dog without the official title. Her excitement upon Lee’s return home each day was a testament to their deep bond.
When Sabrina first arrived, her thin appearance drew concerned comments from passersby, though she remained friendly and approachable. Lee credits Sabrina with helping him navigate through his losses and grief, describing her as a “quiet friend” who saved him.
