Neglected, starved 11-year-old Portage County dog Tanner finds forever home

RAVENNA, Ohio - It took months to nurse Tanner back to good health, but the neglected and starved 11-year-old Shepherd now has a forever home.

For six months Tanner lived at the Portage APL and finally he has been adopted by a family who will fill his life with love and comfort.

The Mansfield couple and their elderly dog came to the shelter to make Tanner a part of their family Wednesday.

"You could see a spring in Tanner’s step that we’d never seen before. It was like he knew that he had a home and that this was his new family," explained Chalan Lowry, APL executive director. “We all got a little teary eyed. This is the best part of our work. When an animal in terrible condition recovers, thrives and gets a new start. We couldn’t be happier.”

In late August 2012, Portage APL humane officers were called out to Hiram for a dog in bad shape. When they arrived, they found Tanner extremely emaciated and barely able to walk.

Months of care, thousands of dollars and lots of love made all the difference in Tanner's life. Through it all, Tanner has been a sweet, kind and friendly dog, the APL said. Workers are thrilled he will get to live out the rest of his life as a beloved family member.

The APL continues to rescue animals every day, with the need increasing each year. Portage APL is a private, nonprofit organization. To make a donation or for more information, you can call the Portage Animal Protective League at (330) 296-4022, follow them on Facebook or visit their website: http://portageapl.org/Donate_Online.