Animal Rescue Stories

Gloria - the Non-Fighting Pit Bull

Gloria was born to a dog fighter in Manhattan. At only 4 months old she did something that made her monster of an owner mad. She probably wasn't interested in fighting and that angered him to the point where he beat the left side of her head nearly flat. She was rescued by an Angel who spent thousands on treating her, but Gloria was left with severe brain damage.

When I saw Gloria's picture I knew she should live with us. She doesn't know she has a disability and she sure doesn't know pit bulls are supposed to be mean. She loves the other dogs and us, showering us with kisses at every opportunity. She races through the yard with the others, legs windmilling to keep her balance, eyes sparkling and a big grin on her face. She's very smart and funny. The brain damage causes impulse control (she will try to jump in your lap while you are eating) but she is on Prozac which has worked wonders and allows her to think a little more before acting.

Pit bulls deserve a chance - not the bad rap they are getting.

Jane Walbridge
New Haven, CT

Rescuing Chloe

I found Chloe at the local animal rescue, "BAR"--Border Animal Rescue in Bisbee, Arizona. She was a half-grown calico kitten curled up as far back in her cage as she could get. When I took her out of the cage, she was terrified but let me hold her and, of course, I couldn't put her back so put her in the car and took her home. She spent the first month hiding behind the toilet. I could hold her on my lap but she would promptly return to her safe space in the bathroom when I put her down. I knew she was mine the day she came into the den while I was working on the computer and crawled into my lap. She has since become a more social cat and will even let our grandchildren pet her.

Judy Pike
Bisbee, AZ

The Manicure For Mutts Challenge-Help Shelter Animals Everywhere

We may not be able to rescue them all but won't you join me in rescuing those we can.

In 2008 I decided to give a gift to myself; in place of spending $50.00 per month for manicures on myself I sponsored an animal at my local shelter and another at my favorite sanctuary.

When I read those words "I was Adopted" or found their "New Forever Home", well it felt so much better than any manicure I ever received!

Well, with the economy in shambles I have a deep fear that our Shelters, Rescue Leagues and Sanctuaries will suffer and donations and sponsorships will decline.

So, I will continue giving up my own manicures again in 2009 and continue to use those funds to sponsor the animals.

If you can, won't you take my Manicure for Mutts Challenge, and give up even one manicure for yourself and sponsor an animal or bring a donation to your local shelter.

The need is so great and this is so simple to do.

Now all you guy animal lovers, you may not get manicures, but you can help too, ask yourself do I really need another power tool?

Please join me, thanks.

Sheryl Jabre
Lee, NH

Hugo the Prince

Hugo is a miniatureschnauzer and he is so cute and his ears are amasing. He love children.
I have adopted him when he was 6 years old,
he was barking when he was alone at home, so the earlier owner feel so sorry for him and wanted him a new home with someone who never let him be alone.
And they choose me and my famili and we are so happy for that. With me and famili he is never alone, he is always with someone of us, where ever we go. He be 11 years old this summer 2009.
"Hugo the Prince" is Pepalfas Zeal Zews

Ewa Leidesdorff
Stockholm, Sweden

Getting Roxy

I read a posting from a rescue group that I belong to about a sweet little brown dog found running around in traffic on the streets of Atlanta. Apparently after some pleading, the woman who caught her got permission from her landlord to keep the dog for two weeks while she searched for a home. If she had to take the dog to a shelter, they would put her down immediately due to her being an American Pit Bull Terrier.

Being familiar with the breed and partial to Bullies with her coloring, I knew she should become a part of "my pack." Her rescurer stated that she would drive halfway anywhere on the east coast to help this sweet dog find a home. I drove to Columbia, SC, to pick her up.

When I got there I said, "I think I'll name her Roxy." And the woman replied, "That's what I've been calling her. " So I knew it was meant to be.

Roxy had a horrible case of mange, was entering her first heat, had significant joint issues from poor breeding, and no manners whatsoever, but I loved her immediately. These days Roxy spends her time playing with my other two dogs and enjoying our evening walks. She is goofy, forever puppy-like, and brings incredible joy to our lives!

Natalie Gomes
Wilmington, NC

Precious

We found Precious dragging eight feet of chain, scarred, beaten, and starved. It took a while to get him healthy and fattened up, but it took no more than an instant to fall in love with him.

Our relationship became even more important when I became seriously disabled due to a horseback riding accident. Throughout the time I was forced to stay in bed and then through the painful physical therapy which allowed me to walk, Precious stayed right with me, even sleeping on the bed. In that way, whichever of us had a nightmare, we could comfort each other back to sleep. We worked on recovery together.

Although both of us will always carry scars, we made it through, together.

Rene Thompson
Covington, KY

Life with Milo

We remember it as if it were yesterday! A friend sent us a photograph of a scruffy, scraggly, skinny black kitten with ears too big for its small head. As a matter of fact, he kinda looked like a bat. My husband was allergic to cats and we knew we couldn't have one. Plus, we already had two rescued dogs, which took up a lot of room in our modestly sized apartment. I kept looking at the black kitten's photos. I kept throwing hints at my husband but the answer was always a firm, "NO!"

I kept checking on his progress through e-mails. My friend was worried that she wouldn't be able to find him a good home because some people have this unfounded superstition about black cats! How ridiculous!

At that point, I was determined to convince my husband that we should take in Mr. Scruffy. Even if it meant he'd have to go through an allergy regimen. I think eventually my husband grew tired of my reminders and pleadings and he finally gave in. He said, "FINE, you can have the darn cat, but I'm not changing any litter!" We picked up Mr. Scruffy. The moment my husband saw him, it was love at first sight. He went to the doctor, got a prescription for allergy pills, and that was that. Milo, as we renamed him, became an important member of our family. He grew into a wondrous, regal, appreciative, huge cat with a certain knowledge that we had done something grand for him, so he was going to pay it forward.

Milo is going on three years young. We can't imagine our lives without Milo! And my husband has been changing his litter for three years! Ha!

Lourdes Cabrera
New York, NY

Luther, the rat terrier

I found Luther, a rat terrier, on the Petfinder website. When I saw his picture I said,"Luther, we will be there as soon as possible to get you and bring you to your new home." He is such a bundle of love and has brought so much laughter and fun to our family! I thank the Lord every day for allowing us to to live with this sweet little boy!

Sally Albright
Gadsden, AL

Emerson

Emerson had been at the local animal shelter for more than two months. People kept bypassing his cage because there were signs saying he could jump a six-foot fence. I took one look at his forlorn face and fell in love. My husband and I took him outside to play with him. While I was sitting on the bench, he jumped in my lap and looked imploringly at my husband. We were sold. We took Emerson home and the rest is history. He is the best sixty-pound indoor lap dog ever!

Lindsey Harrigan
Rocklin, CA

Daisy

At ten weeks old, Daisy was found by a gentleman when he came home for lunch. She had followed his three Westies through the doggie door and made herself at home. No one claimed the spunky Puggle, so she was taken to the vet, who called me in to meet the sweet pup. I had recently lost my furry companion of twelve years. One look at Daisy and there was no going home without her.

Kristin
Des Moines, IA