Hoover

Hoover lived most of his years with Don. When we met them, Don was 87, and Hoover was 10. Think about it: At age 77, Don went in search of a yellow Labrador puppy who could compete in dog shows.

Once he reached adulthood, Hoover exceeded the breed standards for size and settled in as Don’s constant companion. Their friendship took them on a few adventures together, and Hoover’s company was an enduring source of pleasure for Don. Don taught him early on to sit down when a car passed in the street: Out visiting a friend or two across that same street on his own, Hoover still sat down every time a car went by. He also carried a favorite stuffed animal with him nearly everywhere, napping with his head cushioned on the toy when he could.

Ultimately, Don sought a move into assisted living. He delayed as long as he could, as Hoover would not be able to come along. As he delayed, both Don’s mobility and Hoover’s declined. Don’s family could not take the dog. Don called more than a couple of rescues, and no one returned the calls. Finally, a friend connected with us, and that same afternoon, we put a foster home in touch with Don. He liked who they could be for his best friend, and they offered to stay in close touch about Hoover.

This is where Hoover’s legacy took a new turn.

No one—absolutely no one—liked that Don’s move to assisted living meant saying goodbye to Hoover.

When we posted Hoover’s need for an adoptive family on social media, it prompted two volunteers to offer to drive Hoover back and forth to visit Don in assisted living. That idea struck a chord, and Hoover’s Taxi Network was born. What evolved over the next year or so is now a cadre of volunteers who ferry dogs from their adoptive homes to visit their original person in assisted living. Hoover was the first, and the inspiration.