Jackie Got Adopted!

This happy little girl, Jackie, whom my nephew, Eric, and I transported on March 2nd, got adopted.  As you will recall, she went to her foster home with Brian and his very involved neighborhood.  In less than a week, Brian sent me the following e-mail:

I wanted to let you know that Jackie found her furever home with a wonderful family in Ottsville, PA. She has two human sibling brothers, 4 and 9 years old.

I'm all smiles for Jackie, and I'm sure you are too!

Think Big!

Last night, March 9th, Linda picked up Rouge, a bully mix, and took her home where she would spend the night before leaving on another transport this morning for her final rescue destination.  Rouge came with a handful of problems, but proved to be an affectionate, loving dog.

Linda asked that I let everyone know that this transport consisted of 78 dogs and puppies, and 10 cats.  The effort that goes into these transports is just incredible.  Once the dogs are rescued, usually in a southern state or Ohio, they have to get each transport organized, calling for volunteers to transport and/or host a dog overnight, or for foster families to house dogs, cats and puppies until a forever home is found.  And all this is after rescuing a massive number of dogs, getting them checked out by vets, who also volunteer their time and donate medicines and/or neutering, and then loading the animals on their transport vehicles.  It's a monumental task, but the people who do this are totally dedicated and do a tremendous job.  Please let your friends know about these efforts that occur just about every other week, and if anyone is interested in adopting any of these dogs, you can find most of them on www.petfinder.com.  Or contact me or Linda, and we'll get you in touch with the right people.

So, on to Rouge's story.  As you will notice, Rouge has very little fur.  She spent her entire life of about two years chained up outside, totally neglected, nearly starved to death, and ended up with a royal case of mange.

 Fortunately, Rouge was able to relax with her favorite toy, and she soon settled in at Linda's.  But she had a few peculiarties.  She wouldn't walk on any floor other than carpet.  This is often a symptom of a dog who has lived its whole life outside on grass (if they're lucky) or on dirt.  They have never walked on a hard surface, such as a sidewalk or street, and of course never have seen linoleum, hardwood floors or tile.

Rouge also had trouble negotiating the stairs -- because she'd never seen them before.

Linda soon discovered that Rouge loved a particular blanket, so Linda decided to let Rouge enjoy its comfort.

Later, after a long walk and some serious play time, Rouge was ready for a nap.  Linda covered her in the blanket, and then wrapped her up in it.  As you can see, Rouge was feeling quite cozy, and drifted off to  sleep.  You'd never know she was anything other than a contented pet, looking at these pictures.

Rouge was also quite affectionate with Linda, which is truly remarkable too, considering her experience with humans up to this point was pretty dismal, at best.  But she followed Linda around the house, and showered her with kisses every chance she got.

Rouge is now en route to parts further north, but she will always be remembered as a sweet, affectionate dog, whose life has just taken a dramatic turn for the better.  Her fur will grow in, and with a little TLC, she'll soon be sweeping potential adopters off their feet.



 

Jackie and the Missing Isabelle

On Saturday, March 2^nd, I had the pleasure of taking my nephew, Eric, with me on a dog transport.   This was a rare opportunity and Eric rose to the occasion, and enjoyed being part of the dog rescue effort.
 

Everyone waiting as each took turns
getting their appropriate animals.

We met a large truck from Bowling Green, KY, at 10:30 AM in Center Valley.  About 60 dogs were on board, who had ridden 16 hours straight to Center Valley, thanks to a wonderful lady named Theresa, who made this drive alone.  There were many, many people waiting to either receive their forever pet, or to transport to various rescue groups.  There were dogs, cats, and puppies.  And I learned the next day that a pregnant dog who had boarded in Kentucky, was a happy mother of two puppies upon arriving in Center Valley.  How’s that for a birth story?!!?

 

Entering the transport truck.

We picked up Jackie and Isabelle.  I found their paperwork right at the front of the box, and when things had quieted down a little, we ventured into the truck to claim our pups.  You can imagine the ruckus, since some dogs were going on to other locations farther north.  So there were plenty of pooches to bark their greetings at us.

 



Eric & Jackie

First out of her crate was Jackie, an adorable cattle dog/pointer mix, of about a year and a half.  Eric grabbed her, leashed her and exited the pandemonium for a more serene walk in the grass – which made Jackie quite happy, of course.

Somehow, I managed not to get one picture of Isabelle.  So Isabelle wasn't missing, but her photos are!  I think in the chaos, I just never got any pictures snapped.  You know how you stiffen up if you get nervous? That was Isabelle, a four-year old Chihuahua. All four legs splayed straight out, even as I held her and tried to soothe her. She remained like that even when I gently deposited her on the grass. But within seconds, she proved herself to be the good little canine she was and got to her business. The four of us walked around a little together, but it was quite windy and cold. Jackie didn’t seem to notice much, but Eric, Isabelle and I were shivering so we loaded everyone into the car and started our journey home.

 

Isabelle nested right in to the newspaper inside her carrier. Jackie was much more interested in watching the sights fly by and spent most of the ride sitting up to look out the window. She’d fret now and then, and whine, but went back to her window-gazing. Towards the end, she actually laid down and rested a bit.

We met Brian and Terry at our final destination of the shopping center across from where I live.  Terry, Isabelle’s foster mother, arrived first and scooped up Isabelle, who was reluctant to get out of the carrier to face the cold wind again.  Terry carried her directly to her car, where it was warm and safe.  Terry had two other Chihuahuas at home, and told Isabelle that she’d soon have friends to play with, and things were definitely looking up for her.  And no, I didn't get any photos of Isabelle here either.  I don't think I'd make a good newspaper reporter after this!

Brian soon arrived, and he took over walking Jackie.  You might remember Brian from a couple of my previous transports.  He only fosters dogs, and his neighbors always know when he’s getting a new one and greet him and his new charges upon their arrival home.  His foster dogs get to meet all the other dogs in the neighborhood, as well as the neighbor kids.  So I knew Jackie would have a great time.

But first, Jackie went to a Meet & Greet at Cutter’s Mill Natural Pet Center in the shopping center where we met.  Cutter’s Mill holds adoption events for our Almost Home Dog Rescue dogs every other weekend, and he wasted no time in getting Jackie in front of potential adopters.

Brian reported Jackie did very well meeting everyone, but didn’t find her adoptive family that day.  But just look at her here, relaxing at Brian's home.  What a lucky dog! Looks to me like she's doing just fine!  And Brian sent a quick update the following day:

"Jackie was a little shy at the Meet and Greet, but was very friendly with everyone she met. Since she has been at my home, she has very quickly come out of her shell and is just a fireball of energy. She is certainly making herself right at home. She has also made herself very comfortable at the same time."

 
And I want to add kudos to Eric for being a great partner in this effort.  He said he enjoyed doing it and maybe the next time he comes to visit, we can do it again.  Kudos, of course, to Theresa, the driver of the transport from Kentucky, who was continuing on to Connecticut and parts further north.  And kudos to Terry and Brian, who dedicate themselves to fostering dogs as they wait for their "furever" family.