ON HER WAY TO FREEDOM AND SAFETY - LOOK AT THAT SMILE!
Another dedicated Alabama animal advocate, experienced in affording her home, resources and care of rescued dogs, Raquel Hollwedel, (RAQUEL CROSSPOSTING, on Facebook) and I contacted a rescue organization, in the Shoal’s area. I knew that this organization had saved countless animals from Colbert Animal Control, as well as Florence-Lauderdale Animal Control, Lauderdale County, another gassing facility.
We devised a plan to rescue this particular dog who first became known to Raquel through an email plea for her life: "This dog was given a reprieve, only seconds before she entered the “door of no return” at Colbert Animal Control."
The reprieve consisted of only a few days, and we knew “mama” dogs are looked over for adoption, more often than not, in shelters. Her puppies had been taken away from her, and the clock was ticking down on her fate with death, just beyond the door to which she saw other dogs led, and puppies, cats and kittens taken by hand. She heard their cries for mercy, - how could she not?
We contacted a rescue organization, in the Shoal’s area, an organization that had saved countless animals from Colbert Animal Control, as well as Florence-Lauderdale Animal Control, Lauderdale County, another gassing facility.
We named our dog “CC”, sight unseen. Knowing absolutely nothing of the circumstances leading to her impoundment or her history; or… where did she birth her puppies? – It could have been in the facility, but who brought her there? Was she a stray? We had no idea and couldn’t find out from the facility.
Nevertheless, we were out to save this ONE, and considered ourselves extremely fortunate to have the expertise and assistance from a caring rescuer in that area.
On Friday, March 19th, she was “sprung” from Colbert Gassing Facility. The Rescue had her vetted at a local veterinarian's clinic, even bathed, - h/w negative - (thank goodness), all of which helped more than they will ever know. So much appreciated!
Within hours, our wonderful rescue contact was on her way with “CC” to Birmingham, where the “meetup” destination was planned with Raquel, on her way from Central Alabama. Also in the transport was another lucky fellow from Colbert, whose new DAD was flying into Birmingham, renting a car, and retreiving his “Lil Bud” to drive him to his forever home in Tampa, FL. At the same time Raquel would be receiving “CC”. Wow – these rescue organizations in Alabama are the true heroes for any dog or cat saved from the current animal shelter system!
Tonight, ”CC” is safe and sound with Raquel, where she will stay as long as she needs. She can eat good food, gain weight and strength, recover from birthing, and receive lots of love and care. Raquel has several rescue dogs and cats and is introducing “CC” slowly. She says ”CC” has already had a nap (in Raquel’s bed), snuggling and sharing her beautiful spirit. Raquel added, “It is so touching to detect this dog’s forgiving spirit, and to see the wag of her tail.”
I am feeling good tonight, enjoying the victory of this one dog, although my heart aches for those left behind. With my humble efforts in combating these horrid gassing facilities, our pitiful laws for protection of abandoned animals, and callous routine killing in shelters in general, I am so fortunate to have had a part in saving one. This one is special. She is easily the “poster dog against gassing”.
We have a feeling, given the growing exposure of these doomed creature’s plight and fate, many more will get out alive. There are so many lovely dogs ”imprisoned and condemned” at these gassing facilities, in every facility in Alabama. They are waiting for someone to notice them, and recognize their worth. Our “CC” may be the epitome of “Mutt”, but she is a beautiful dog to us.
It looks as if there is nothing but sunshine coming her way! For the untold number of souls languishing in animal facilities, lost and abandoned by their families, dumped and discarded lives; We hear your cries, and we are coming!
