February 25, 2010

For every medal won by Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA is taking $1 off adoption fees. The Americans currently lead the medal count with 26, and that was just enough extra incentive for local college student to adopt a special dog in need of a good home.

When the time was right to adopt a dog from the SPCA, Hannah Vidaver says Warren chose her.

"He just put his paws up on the fence and looked at me and kept looking at me the whole entire time," said Vidaver.

You would never guess by Warren's constant energy and wagging tail that he's eight years old, and age is not the only challenge he faces.

"I give him his medicine twice a day in a little ball of peanut butter. He eats it right off my finger," said Vidaver.

The SPCA had started treating Warren for Lyme Disease, making for a little extra work for his new owner. However, Vidaver says the rewards go both ways.

"When I walk in the door after work or after my classes, he's here, and when I sit at my desk. He has this blanket that he kind of took; it wasn't supposed to be his. The companionship is worth it," said Vidaver.

And if an older pet like Warren is not for you, the executive director of the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA says there are all kinds of options with the Olympic adoption deal. You can find all the details on their Web Site.

As for Warren, Vidaver decided to capitalize on the adoption deal and take in a dog who wasn't a leading candidate for adoption, but already proven to be worth his weight in gold.

If you know of a hero, please send Jennifer an email (Jennifer.Black@newsplex.com) and you could see your hero featured on CBS19.