Longtime shelter dog adopted after becoming firehouse favorite

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (InvestigateTV) — A 10-year-old dog who spent years at Five Acres Animal Shelter has found his forever home after becoming a regular visitor at a local fire station.

Ferb had been the longest resident at Five Acres Animal Shelter in St. Charles. He had been adopted and returned twice and had been in the shelter system since 2021, according to Madeline Klene of Five Acres Animal Shelter.

Weekly firehouse visits

Ferb’s connection to Station Five in St. Charles began with his love of sirens. Every time a fire truck passed the shelter, Ferb would howl and sing, Klene said.

When firefighters learned about Ferb’s enthusiasm, they invited him to visit. He celebrated his birthday at the station and began visiting once a week.

“Ferb’s a pretty laid-back guy,” Aaron Buchanan of the St. Charles Fire Department said. “He just turned 10. He’s just happy to be around people.”

The fire station became a home away from home for Ferb, complete with his own bed. After firefighters returned from calls, Ferb would greet them with a wagging tail.

“We come back and he’s wagging his tail, panting, excited to see you. Gives you a big ol hug and a kiss,” Buchanan said.

“Knowing that Ferb gets some undivided attention for a few hours a day means a lot to us and it means even more to him,” Klene said.

Forever home

Less than two weeks after his story aired, Ferb was adopted by Jerry and Vickie Moriary.

“He looked like a good dog and I loved his name,” Vickie said.

“And I figured everything or everybody deserves a shot,” Jerry said.

The Moriarys adopted Ferb after seeing his obsession with sirens. They say his favorite place in their home is the kitchen, where he waits for treats.

Read more here.