Mae, a French Mastiff, was discovered wandering the streets of Indiana in heartbreaking condition. Severely underweight and in poor health, she was rescued by Southern Indiana Animal Rescue, where they quickly realized that her struggles went far beyond her physical appearance. Weighing only 70 pounds, when her breed’s healthy weight should be around 140, Mae was not just malnourished but also battling terminal cancer. Despite being given only two weeks to two months to live, Mae’s story became one of hope, love, and resilience.
Mastiff with terminal cancer finds a loving home for her final days
A Foster Home Full of Love and Dedication
When the rescue team learned of Mae’s cancer diagnosis, they knew she needed a loving home to live out her remaining days in comfort. Elizabeth Starck, an experienced foster volunteer who had cared for over 400 animals in the past nine years, stepped up to foster Mae. Starck’s heart has always been with older animals and those nearing the end of their lives. She expressed her devotion to these animals, saying, “I love the old ones. I love the ones that just need a place to go until it is their time.” Starck’s mission is to ensure that whether her foster pets stay with her for a week or several years, their time is filled with love and care.
For Mae, this meant having a comfortable home where she could feel safe and loved. Despite the challenges of caring for a large dog, Starck was determined to give Mae the best life possible, making her final days filled with kindness and compassion.
Community Support and Mae’s Rise to Fame
Mae’s care required significant resources, especially when it came to food. Due to her size and the severity of her health condition, Mae needed about 10 cans of food each day. Realizing this need, the rescue organization reached out to the community for help through a Facebook post. The response was overwhelming. Donors from across the country, including places as far as Texas, California, and even Hawaii, contributed to Mae’s care, resulting in a total of 800 cans of food being sent to the rescue. These donations not only provided Mae with plenty to eat but also helped other dogs in need at the rescue.
As Mae’s story spread, she became a popular figure on social media, capturing the hearts of many. Adorable photos of Mae, along with regular updates on her progress, were posted by Starck and the rescue. People across the world began following Mae’s journey, cheering her on as she fought her battle with cancer. Mae even participated in fundraisers and meet-and-greets with fans, becoming a beloved ambassador for the rescue.
Despite her difficult past, Mae thrived in her new environment. She quickly adapted to her foster home and got along with all the other animals, including both foster dogs and cats. Starck often shared how Mae was particularly curious about the cats, following them around with gentle curiosity, further endearing her to her followers.
A Forever Family for Mae
It didn’t take long for Starck to realize that Mae was more than just another foster dog. The two developed a deep bond in a short period, and Starck knew that Mae belonged with her permanently. After fostering her for less than two months, Starck made the decision to formally adopt Mae. The adoption process was made official in a courtroom, where Starck pledged to love and care for Mae for the rest of her life. County Judge Vicki Carmichael signed the adoption certificate, marking the moment Mae became an official member of Starck’s family.
This adoption was not just a formality; it symbolized the deep connection between Mae and Starck. Mae, who had once been a stray with little hope, was now part of a loving family where she could live out her final days in peace and comfort.
A Bittersweet Future Filled with Love
Although Mae’s time is limited due to her terminal cancer, her life is now filled with joy, warmth, and love. Starck doesn’t know how much longer Mae will be with her, but she is grateful for every moment they share. Mae’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact love and care can have on a rescue animal’s life, even when their time is short.
Mae’s transformation from a starving stray to a beloved family member highlights the importance of rescue work and the profound difference it can make in an animal’s life. Through the dedication of Southern Indiana Animal Rescue, the generosity of strangers, and the unwavering love of Elizabeth Starck, Mae’s final days are filled with happiness and comfort.
In Mae’s story, we see not only the resilience of a dog who faced insurmountable odds but also the incredible power of compassion and community. Even in the face of terminal illness, Mae’s life is a testament to how love can transform and uplift even the most vulnerable creatures.
