Eugene Bostick, who has been enjoying the tranquility of retirement for nearly two decades, discovered a profound new purpose in his later years. It all began with a stray dog that wandered into his life, igniting a spark of compassion that Eugene couldn’t ignore. This solitary encounter was the catalyst for a transformative journey, as more abandoned dogs found their way to him. What started as a single act of kindness evolved into a dedicated mission, showcasing Eugene’s unwavering commitment to rescuing and caring for these vulnerable animals in his community.
Eugene’s home is situated in a less populated area of Fort Worth, where the unfortunate reality of abandoned pets is a frequent issue. The sight of these stray animals, left without food, water, or shelter, deeply pained Eugene. The animals, disoriented and frightened, wandered aimlessly, their hearts broken and their futures uncertain.
Describing his observations, Eugene explains, “We live on a dead-end street, where my brother Corkey and I have a horse barn. Sadly, people sometimes drop off unwanted dogs here, leaving them to suffer. Seeing their plight was heartbreaking. We decided to step in. We began by feeding them, inviting them into our home, and ensuring they received necessary medical care, including spaying and neutering. We even built a comfortable space for them to live in.”
Eugene’s compassion did not stop at providing basic necessities. He made it his mission to shower these dogs with the affection and care they had been deprived of. Each dog received a new name and a daily pat on the head, adding a personal touch to their new lives. Eugene’s 12-acre property, teeming with ducks, geese, turtles, rabbits, goats, and birds, became a playground for his rescued pets. The dogs frolicked joyfully, exploring the expansive grounds and enjoying the companionship of their new friends.
Despite his efforts, Eugene felt there was more he could do to enrich the lives of his rescued dogs. Inspiration struck when he observed a neighbor using a tractor to pull rock carts. Eugene thought to himself, “That’s it! A dog train!” With his background in welding, Eugene set to work transforming his idea into reality. He repurposed plastic barrels, cut holes in them for ventilation, added wheels, and assembled them into a unique train designed especially for his canine companions.
Eugene’s creation, a custom dog train, became a new addition to his rescue efforts. Several times a week, Eugene loads his furry friends into their individual barrels, each equipped with a safety harness, and takes them on exciting rides around the neighborhood and nearby wooded areas. The dogs eagerly await their turn, their excitement palpable. During these excursions, they stop by a local creek to drink fresh water and savor the myriad scents of nature.
The joy these rides bring to the dogs is immense. Eugene shares, “Whenever they hear the sound of me hooking up the tractor, their excitement is uncontrollable. They run over, jump into their barrels, and can’t wait to start the journey. It’s incredible to see their enthusiasm.”
Eugene’s dog train quickly became a local attraction. Residents and visitors alike are drawn to the heartwarming sight of happy dogs riding in their custom-built train. Tiffany Johnson, a local resident, was so touched by Eugene’s dedication that she decided to share his story. “This is truly amazing! He rescues stray dogs and takes them for train rides every morning. I finally gathered the courage to ask for a photo. It’s something you have to see to believe!”
Moved by Eugene’s selfless acts, Tiffany initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support the veterinary and food expenses for the rescued dogs. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and with the support of compassionate animal lovers, the campaign raised over $16,000. Tiffany proudly presented the funds to Eugene, who was overjoyed by the unexpected generosity.
Tiffany recalls the moment with emotion, “My stepdad and I went to Eugene’s house to deliver the news. His reaction was priceless—his face lit up with pure joy. It was a beautiful moment, and seeing his happiness made all the effort worthwhile.”
Eugene, despite his age, is committed to maintaining his dog train rides for as long as he can. “I know I’m getting older, so I realize this may not last forever. But I’ll keep it going as long as I’m able. The joy the dogs get from these rides is incredible, and it’s a pleasure to see them so happy.”
The bond between Eugene and his rescued dogs is a testament to the mutual love and companionship they share. Eugene’s retirement has been richly fulfilled by the joy he brings to his furry friends, and his innovative approach to caring for them has created a lasting legacy of kindness and creativity.
For a glimpse into the joyful adventures of Eugene and his canine companions, watch the video below. The sight of these exuberant dogs, riding in their custom dog train with tails wagging and tongues lolling, is sure to bring a smile to your face and warm your heart.
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