Embracing The Unwanted: A Man's Mission To Fill His Home With Rescued Animals

Meet the man whose heart knows no bounds when it comes to giving a home to those in need.

Davy

• Published in Animal Stories
• May 6, 2024

Every year, approximately 6 million animals find themselves in shelters across the United States. However, thanks to compassionate individuals like Steve Greig, 75% of them find forever homes.

Yet, Steve's approach is distinctively extraordinary: he exclusively adopts elderly animals, ensuring they spend their twilight years in comfort and care. With a household boasting over 20 pets, including dogs, rabbits, ducks, and even a pig, Steve's dedication to giving these animals a second chance at happiness is nothing short of inspiring.

Tragically, Steve experienced the heart-wrenching loss of his beloved dog, Wolfgang, in a car accident. The bond between them was profound, leaving Steve devastated by his absence.

However, amidst his grief, Steve found a glimmer of purpose. He resolved that Wolfgang's passing should catalyze something positive, something that wouldn't have occurred otherwise. In a gesture of compassion and healing, Steve ventured to a local shelter and welcomed a 12-year-old dog with a heart condition into his home.

Naming him Eeyore, Steve felt a weight lift from his heart as he realized that through Wolfgang's tragedy, Eeyore could experience the love and care he deserved in his remaining years. This act of kindness marked the beginning of Steve's journey into animal adoption.

With each new addition to his family, Steve found solace and purpose in providing a loving home for animals in need, transforming his grief into a beacon of hope for countless furry companions.

Steve finds elderly animals to be laid-back and appreciative of the love and care they receive in their twilight years. He notes that integrating them into his pack has always been seamless, as they all get along harmoniously.

Together, they enjoy leisurely strolls, cozy movie nights, and simply basking in each other's company. However, Steve admits that his choice to adopt older animals is partly influenced by their lower energy levels; managing a large pack of younger dogs would be too demanding.

Yet, despite the joys of having a full household, Steve faces unique challenges. Each of his animal companions has specific dietary requirements, necessitating early mornings to prepare their meals.

Currently, his home is filled with the loving presence of 10 dogs, 4 chickens, 2 ducks, a turkey, a pig, and 2 rabbits, alongside a tranquil koi pond. Despite the daily tasks and responsibilities, Steve's dedication to providing a loving home for his diverse family remains unwavering.

Since the devastating loss of Wolfgang, one might wonder how Steve copes with the passing of his newly adopted pets. Steve has developed a personal philosophy to navigate these difficult moments.

While the death of beloved animals is undeniably sad, he finds solace in the knowledge that he provided them with a loving home in their final years. He emphasizes that he must remind himself that it's not about his own feelings, but rather about the joy and comfort his pets experienced in their last years under his care.

Reflecting on his first adopted dog, Eeyore, who lived with him for at least 7 years before passing, Steve acknowledges the significance of the time they shared. Despite the inevitable pain of saying goodbye, Steve cherishes the memories and the profound impact he made on Eeyore's life during their time together.

Currently, Steve boasts an impressive 1 million followers on social media, all eager to catch glimpses of his furry family's adventures. His followers actively participate in the naming process for his new adoptees, a testament to the community spirit that has developed around his account.

Despite his massive following, Steve insists that his Instagram journey unfolded organically. Initially drawn to the platform without any specific goal to amass followers, he appreciates the opportunity to inspire others to consider adopting senior pets.

On social media ( instagram - wolfgang2242 ), Steve affectionately refers to his beloved fur family as a "wolfgang," paying homage to the cherished companion whose passing marked the beginning of his remarkable journey of compassion and care.

Davy