Seamus’s story began in heartbreak. Found abandoned in a Manhattan apartment with no access to food or water, the young black Lab mix was on the brink of death. Severely malnourished and too weak to stand, his condition shocked even our most seasoned veterinarians. “I’ve been here 21 years, and this is the worst case of starvation I’ve seen,” said Dr. Gerard Laheney, Senior Veterinarian at North Shore Animal League America. But Seamus refused to give up. With the expert care at our Pet Health Centers, he slowly began to heal. His weight increased, his wounds started to mend, and his eyes grew bright.
Seamus’s incredible rescue reached its joyful conclusion when he found the perfect home with Tom and Lori Zukowski. The Zukowskis are no strangers to opening their hearts to animals in need. Tom is a two-time recipient of North Shore Animal League America’s Crystal Collar AwardÒ, and he and Lori have a long history of welcoming special-needs pets. They don’t hesitate to take in senior animals and those with medical challenges because to them, all animals have value.
Karla Scaramuzzo, Animal League America Rescue Team Leader, immediately thought of Tom and Lori when she heard they were looking to adopt another dog and suggested they meet him. The connection was instant — Seamus walked over and rested his head in Tom’s lap, showing just how affectionate and sweet he was.
Now, Seamus is thriving in his new home, where he has two canine siblings — Marcus, their senior alpha dog, and Alex, who doesn’t like to be alone. “He’s just a big mush,” Tom shared. “He’s integrated really well with our other dogs. Marcus has taught him he’s the commander, and Seamus is the private.” The Zukowskis quickly made him feel welcome, even giving him ownership of an old recliner so he could have a special spot all to himself.
Now that he’s stronger, Seamus’s playful side has fully emerged — he’s become a toy hoarder, and adores his big backyard, running and playing fetch as much as possible. The Zukowskis are deeply grateful for Deanna, Seamus’s foster mom, who works in our Pet Health Centers. She not only nursed him back to health but also started his training, which Tom and Lori are continuing now that his youthful energy has emerged.
Seamus’s adoption day was filled with emotion, as Deanna, Karla, and many others gathered to send him off to his new life. “We are so touched by how many people care about him,” Tom said. “We love North Shore and love helping out.”
From near death to a life filled with love, Seamus’s journey is complete — thanks to the compassion of those who refused to let him be forgotten.