Kentucky by Heart: Paris residents rescue small dog named Guy — now an adopted member of royalty

Paris residents Charlie and Elaine Fuerniss have made loving contacts with literally thousands of dogs while working as animal rescuers for more than three decades. This while both attend to full-time jobs in Lexington.

Guy was adopted by actress Meghan Markle during the time she spent in Canada filming the TV show, Suits. The adoption, and Guy, became an international subject of conversation when Markle recently became Duchess of Sussex when she married Prince Harry of England.

That said, there was nothing particularly special back in January of 2015, when the couple first met “Guy,” a small beagle left anonymously at the Montgomery Country Animal Shelter in Mt. Sterling. The thought that Guy might someday be a thriving part of royalty in England never occurred to the two until it happened, when the humble canine was adopted by actress Meghan Markle during the time she spent in Canada filming the TV show, Suits. The adoption, and Guy, became an international subject of conversation when Markle recently became Duchess of Sussex when she married Prince Harry of England.

The Kentucky connection all started when Elaine and Charlie, working with the shelter, facilitated the transport of Guy — indeed a fairly routine activity — with a transporter organization in Ohio. They found a location they’d worked with many times before, and one that particularly liked receiving beagles.

But before the rescued dog could travel to its new home in a place called A Dog’s Dream Rescue in Oakville, Canada, a medical issue called heartworm needed to be addressed. Heartworm in dogs is a disease caused by mosquito bites, and if not treated, the worm can grow and eventually prove fatal to them.

Elaine and Charlie took the sick dog to a local veterinarian to receive a healing injection, and he was then sent to a volunteer in Louisville to convalesce before being returned to the couple for final transport arrangements.

“Guy was lucky to have been dropped off at the shelter,” noted Elaine, “because he probably wouldn’t ever have been tested for heartworm.”

Elaine described Guy as “petite, eyes bright, quiet (but) friendly with a great personality. A tri-color of white, brown, and black, and a little nervous, which is common. They (dogs) are just overwhelmed when they get to the shelter.” Charlie characterized him as “not a barker.”

Charlie and Elaine Fuerniss

When Guy was pronounced well and ready for transport, Elaine met a person driving one leg of the relay trip at the nearby Kentucky Horse Park for the hand-off of the animal on March 20 of that year. Guy, healthy and treated with unmistakable compassion, was now on his way to a storybook future. Though not knowing it at the time, Charlie and Elaine Fuerniss played a crucial role in a noted worldwide story.

Recently, Elaine has been involved in some conversation with a representative from a national book publisher about a possible children’s book regarding the rescue of the dog. That coming to fruition would be just dandy for the couple, with it being both a way to make the plight of stranded canines more publicized and to use as a possible fundraiser. She has an idea she’d like to offer. “I would love to see a mobile spay/neuter unit to send out on a regular basis,” said Elaine. “We have done some looking into this, and think it’s very doable. Our dream for the animals of Kentucky. Maybe Guy can help a lot of other pets in Kentucky.”

The “Guy thing” is perhaps a fitting tribute to two modest and deeply dedicated Kentuckians who’ve toiled for years as advocates for vulnerable, often unwanted animals. Ironically, the two long ago rescued an abandoned kitten on one of their first dates, and they haven’t stopped. That’s a “royal” thought, isn’t it?

For those who have interest in helping financially support the mission of rescuing animals in distress, or simply desire information, email Elaine Fuerniss at cafuerniss@hotmail.com.