January 2012 was no different
than any other month. In rescue, we are always getting email pleas and
telephone calls to help save an animal. Sadly, I have to delete so many
messages because it tears at my heart. So many animals are euthanized because
the owner doesn't have their pet spayed or neutered. There is an
overpopulation, it is so unfair to these animals. A North Georgia animal
control facility sent out their regular plea for animals needing rescue as they
required room for more unwanted pets and/or strays that just keep arriving by
the day. These dogs are literally on death row. So, we stepped in, how could we
not squeeze another dog in to our already crowded foster homes. We have great
foster homes, that's how. They are willing to sacrifice their time and space
for one more life! We offered to take four dogs.
After all the dogs on death row
had been spoken for by us and other rescues, one remained. She would be killed
because no one came forth for her. She was a three to four-year-old Jack
Russell mix and had been there way too long; tomorrow was euthanization day.
Animal control had named her “Kay.”
Some people shy away from Jack
Russell’s and Jack Russell mixes because they are typically known to be quite
hyperactive, and unfortunately at times can be harder to adopt. As animal
rescue has gotten harder with the downturn in the economy, adoption has become
harder, foster homes scarce, donations tapering, and animal rescues are not
exempt from hard times.
As this animal control told us
about “Kay,” a sweet female Jack Russell mix that had been overlooked for
weeks, euthanization day fast approaching, and she was the only one left, what
could we do? Looking into those sweet eyes to her beautiful soul, we agreed to
take her. Having little room for the four we already agreed to take in, well
what’s one more!
This little girl came to my house
greeted by all of my other foster dogs as well as personal dogs, all well over
50 pounds. Poor little “Kay” weighs a whopping 20 pounds soaking wet! She met
each dog one at a time, showed herself to be submissive, and in no time was
part of the pack. She quickly caught on when eating time was, play time, quiet
time, and sleep time.
After her quarantine period, she
was spayed, microchipped and appropriately vaccinated. As Kay was so sweet, we
renamed her Mini Sweet Pea as I already have a Sweet Pea, who is a sweet pea
for real. My Sweet Pea was abandoned at a farm in Blue Ridge many years ago. My
husband and I were looking at property and we found her living in an old couch
with no cushions in an old rickety barn in the dead of winter. She was so happy
to see people, she wiggled all the way over to us when she saw us. She has been one
of the sweetest dogs we ever have had. It became confusing in my house when I
had two sweet Peas, I renamed “Kay” Pumpkin.
While under my foster care,
Pumpkin was quiet, submissive, totally housebroken, great with other
dogs, quiet all night (and slept in my bed), just absolutely perfect, and I was
falling in love! I knew I was doomed and had to do something quickly or I would
have yet another personal dog! As any one who fosters how easy it is to “fall
in love” with the foster pet. You get to know them, know how wonderful they are
and worry no one will appreciate them like you do. They love you back too, so
much, it gets hard to let go. It is a struggle.
I contacted Penne, a great foster
home that has smaller dogs, and asked if she would consider fostering this Jack
Russell. She looked at me like, “What! Are you crazy! A Jack Russell? They’re
maniacs.” I assured her this one was different…truly. Penne agreed, I think
somewhat reluctantly, but albeit agreed; but how could this be, a quiet Jack
Russell, rare and unheard-of.
Once again Pumpkin proved herself
to be a perfect little lady. While Penne was bragging about this little girl at
work one day, word got around that she was available for adoption for that perfect home. A family
with a young daughter contacted Penne asking to meet Pumpkin.
 |
| Emma and Pumpkin, February 2012 |
Maggie and her daughter Emma came
to Penne's house and met Pumpkin one evening before a long holiday weekend,
thinking that if Emma and Pumpkin fell in love with one another, Pumpkin would
have the long weekend to adjust to her new home. They did fall in love with one
another and Pumpkin was immediately adopted.
Throughout the four day weekend Penne was sent
“updates” through text messages and email with comments and pictures showing
how happy Emma is with her new Pumpkin, which by the way, is her mom's pet name
for Emma!
Little did we know that day that this girl slated for
euthanasia in a matter of less than 24 hours would turn out to be the perfect little princess
Pumpkin bringing joy to all the lives she touches.
Always keep an open mind, your heart open and loves comes pouring in...
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