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Community Corner

Brother Can You Spare a Ride?

An inside view of getting two pups to their new home

Earlier in the week I made up my mind to do something more to help animals. Since our house is full, and not ideal for fostering, I thought I’d volunteer and try something different. I was going to join a group transporting two dogs across several states.

The groundwork was laid earlier in the week with timetables, meeting spots, contact information and lots of enthusiasm. 

When Saturday came I was excited. One by one we took to the highways starting early in the morning in Indiana and made our way to New York.

Our passengers were Molly, a medium-sized and well-behaved shepherd mix, and Bella, a tiny black-and-white puppy. Molly was a prison dog and had been part of the FIDO (Faith + Inmates + Dogs = Opportunity) program through the Anderson, IN, Correctional Facility. She was going to a no-kill shelter and finally to find her forever home. Her companion for the ride was baby Bella, who had people eagerly waiting for her to arrive.

I'd volunteered and picked “leg seven” of their long journey, driving just over an hour from the west side of Cleveland to Ashtabula.

Early in the morning I checked my e-mail to see that the transport started out on time. I watched as my afternoon shift came closer, and each leg posted “on- schedule.” Finally it was time to leave.  I had the phone charged, the car packed and maps ready. The back of the station wagon was covered in blankets, and I had a to-go box filled with water, two separate drinking dishes, extra leashes, paper towel and snacks (for us, not the dogs).

I picked up my mom, since it was her fault I was such an animal lover, and set out. Ali  Graham, the “leg six” driver, made good time and had Molly walked and watered by the time we met. Bella, the puppy, didn’t have her shots yet and wasn't allowed out of the car.

Molly was reserved about changing cars. Initially, she balked at getting into the back of the station wagon, but then cheerfully jumped into the back seat. She stayed there, looking out the window and keeping an eye on Bella and the road the rest of the way.

Bella was another story. Since she had been in her crate for the last hour, my mom held her for our drive. She wagged her little tail, kissed everyone, including Molly on the nose, then snuggled down to sleep. It seemed they both knew the hard part of their life was behind them.

The drive was uneventful, but we were happy to meet  “leg eight." Although Barb Shamp and her husband Terry were just where they said they would be, the tipoff was the “Don’t shop – Adopt ” sticker prominently displayed on their car.

The Shamps were pros. They had been on another run earlier in the day, and were happy to greet both pups. They showed me special dog tethers they had in the car while Abby took a quick jaunt to do her business. Then Abby jumped into the back seat, and Bella, like a princess, was transferred from lap to lap. As they pulled away I reported in, “Leg seven is complete and on time.”

Several hours later I checked e-mail and found that everyone had arrived safely. Bella’s new family was delighted and was busy spoiling her. Her new “dad” was so happy he wants to volunteer and help someone else.

I can’t wait until the next time. It was exciting, fun and made a real difference. If you want to be included in up-to-date information contact me directly at Katherinekpatch@aol.com. Transports are usually set up mid-week and scheduled for Saturday. Drivers are always needed, especially in the Mansfield and Ashtabula/Erie areas.

For more information on those involved follow these links.
FIDO program details are at www.inapl.org
Abby’s receiving shelter is at www.caninerescue.org
Bella’s sending shelter/coordinator is everydogcountsrescue.com






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