Bad Things/Good Things: Dogs

A few days ago the head of a New Mexico dog foster service told me, "All the shelters, pounds, and foster agencies are full up. No one can take your brother's dogs," and I replied, "I will give you a thousand dollars if you take these dogs."

She said she would see what she could do. At that point my choices were the Humane Society or renting a van and driving them 18 hours straight to Saint Louis. (And this week has proved nothing if not my tragic inability to stay awake.)

I was intrigued by the prospect of having actual house-trained dogs, but these are big dogs. I don't want big dogs. I don't want dogs stronger than I am.

I would have kept them if there was no other option. Happily, a rescue was found in another state (Colorado where demand is high because they neuter), and a person to drive the dogs, and the dogs are now together five hours away. (And five hundred went to the rescue and the other half as “gas money” for the driver. )

They sent videos of the dogs happily jumping up on couches and playing in the snow. Weight off my mind. 

Comments

[KC]

HOORAY! I am so glad the dogs are taken care of. And so glad there is this fund where you *can* just throw money at things to make them work out, where that is a possibility.

[theQueen]

KC - It is entirely possible everyone would have done something without any incentive. I really do think that, given how one person really wanted to give the extra money back. But the money angle gave me a sense if power, not futility, that I was trying everything I could. Gary suggested I could have flown the dogs back in the baggage, but seriously, how terrifying would that be for a dog? And how many stories have I read if pets being lost at Lambert Airport?

[Suzanne]

This sounds like a fantastic way to spend money, and I'm so glad the dogs are on their way to Colorado! Surely they will find wonderful owners there!

[theQueen]

Suzanne - the shelter sent a video of the dogs playing in the Colorado snow. They look very happy.