Shelter Me: Rescued dog helps welcome baby home

In this week's Shelter Me story we meet a family of four - two parents, one baby and one adopted dog named Ruthie.

When the Lohleins adopted Ruthie, she had just given birth to a litter of puppies, and soon enough Ruthie had a new babe to take care of - David.

Kate Loehlein tells us, "We had him at 27 weeks, he was a preemie. Came home right around his due date, and she was great with him."

The Loehleins brought blankets home from the hospital for Ruthie to sniff before she met David in person. Now they're best buds.

Phil Loehlein says, "David will come up and play on her, climb over her."

It's how the Delaware SPCA wants all their adoptions to go.

Walter Fenstermacher is the Communications Manager for the Delaware SPCA. He tells us, "Seeing stories like Ruthie's really means everything to us. To see them from start to finish, from skinny to healthy... it kind of gives meaning to each and every day that we do."

They have a newly renovated space with a fully staffed veterinary clinic.

Fenstermacher tells us, "People can make an appointment and receive low cost and affordable veterinary care."

Their expanded dog kennel offers more room in the no kill shelter, and the cats enjoy condo living so that the pets will have an easier time adjusting to a forever family.

Fenstermacher explains, "It really just makes them more comfortable during their stay here."

If you're interested in adopting a pet, you can visit the Delaware SPCA Website.

And, if you'd like us to share your shelter success stories, post a picture to the FYI Philly Facebook page using #6abc Shelter Me and tell us where you adopted your pet and how much they mean to you.

Action News will feature your stories on upcoming Shelter Me segments.