Racine couple adopts dog, inherits $5,000 for its care

RACINE (WITI) — A Racine couple that adopted a dog received an unexpected gift from the previous owner; a gift from beyond the grave.

Carol and Dale Welbon, both 78, adopted Bubbles, a 14-year-old miniature poodle in November from the Northcentral Maltese Rescue in Racine. Age was not an issue for the couple, which preferred the laid-back nature of an older dog.

"It was very good. She just took right to the house and to us," said Welbon.

The couple lost their beloved Maltese Angel this past summer when a neighbor's Rottweiler attacked and killed the pet. The couple was ready for a new four-legged companion to love.

Northcentral Maltese Rescue Director Mary Palmer matched Bubbles with the couple.

"I knew that they were grieving the loss of the previous little dog they had adopted from me. But I knew they were wonderful, responsible people and just that this was going to be a match," said Palmer.

The Welbons have provided Bubbles with some much-needed tender loving care. Bubbles stayed by her deceased owner's side for two weeks before being found.

"There was no food, no water, no nothing for her. So she was in pretty bad shape when they finally found them," Welbon said.

After being nursed back to health, the couple adopted Bubbles and until only a few days ago did not know about the inheritance Bubbles would receive.

"I was shocked. I really was. I mean that didn't even enter my mind that it would be that kind of money, maybe a couple of hundred dollars or a hundred dollars," Welbon said.

The $5,000 will be used to cover Bubbles medication for grand mal seizures, her diapers for incontinence, grooming, vet bills and general maintenance. Bubbles will surely live out the rest of her doggy years comfortably.