The pounds began to melt away, but there was a lump remaining on Captain's side that became more prominent as he slimmed down. His foster family was alarmed to find out that he had mast cell cancer and needed a major surgery to remove it. Thanks to the donations of ISR supporters, and the excellent care at Captain's vet, his surgery was successful and he is still cancer free.

Captain's foster parents took care of him for over a year and had frequently thought about adopting him. They had doubts, however, about whether they could give their hearts to a dog that they would only have another few years to love, as Captain was estimated to be 9 years old at that time. Senior dogs often come with medical conditions and ongoing treatment expenses as well. Then one day the ISR director contacted Captain's foster mom and told her that a family was interested in taking over as Captain's foster home and possibly adopting him.

His foster parents realized quickly that they already considered Captain to be a part of their family, and that they loved him too much to ever part with him. They knew at that moment that Captain had found his forever home with them. Captain's Momma and Daddy are thankful every day that they got to watch such a sad and sick little guy come out of his shell and thrive in his new home as they nursed him back to health, and down to a healthy weight. He may be their "little old man", but he has taught them so much about how rewarding it is to give a comfortable and loving forever home to a sheltie in their golden years.