Written by Taryn & Henry Hebert
The heartbreaking fire at the Humane Society was one of the most devastating tragedies that I can remember. As a long time animal welfare advocate, I wanted to help the shelter in any way I could, whether it was fundraising, finding sponsorships, or asking for donations. I hadn’t really expected that my “help” would result in smiles and laughter every day!
I attended the memorial service for the 74 dogs that died in the fire. It was heartbreaking. A few days later, while attending a fundraiser for the shelter, I asked if there were any dogs that had been in the fire that needed to be adopted. I was told that one small dog was still at the veterinarian’s clinic, being treated for his injuries from smoke inhalation. The sad little pup had been in the clinic for over a month and was getting more and more depressed. I saw a picture of this little guy and was told his name was “Biscuit.”
I decided to meet Biscuit the next day. This decision was a huge step for me, as my husband, Henry, and I had lost our precious Blossom to a mast cell tumor just months before. The thought of a new dog in our life was a very scary and emotional decision, one I was not sure we were ready to make.
(Our other two dogs, Lucas and Olive, are too large to be bed dogs.) The idea of adopting a true survivor was so special to me, and everything fell into place.
Biscuit’s sad story of how he originally ended up at the shelter is enough to touch anyone’s heart. His life began on the streets. His owner and guardian, who loved him dearly, was homeless. They wandered the streets together. Eventually, the homeless man decided he had to leave this area in search of work. He then asked an advocate to make sure Biscuit had a good home. Biscuit then went to the Humane Society and was there when the fire destroyed the shelter.
I had fallen in love with the little guy after hearing his story. It really touched my heart! Little did I know that this sweet, crazy, rambunctious, spikey-haired baby would become the newest Hebert family member, part-time mascot at Re/Max, and my constant companion!
Since the day we adopted this survivor, we have not been apart from him for even one day! Not only does he come to work with me, he also goes to closings, has been a “guest” on Roy West’s Radio Show, attended a City Council meeting, and of course vacations with his new family at the beach, Padre Island, and New Orleans! During those first few months with Biscuit, Henry and I both felt that we didn’t want to leave him so we would be sure to form a strong bond with him. We wanted to make sure he had every opportunity to bond with us. We never wanted him to have the opportunity to miss us. But who were we kidding that he would miss us?! It turns out it is the other way around: we couldn’t leave him because WE would miss HIM too much!
“King Biscuit,” as he is now known, is a survivor! We are so very proud of our adorable little warrior!!