Ted....uhh how about Harvey!

Yesterday I saw a post about a puppy with Demodex mange who was being rescued from euthanasia in Sacramento, CA by a group called Pit Crew.  Tina had gone to the shelter to rescue a pit bull mix and she said what she found was an "imposter" as she does not think he has any pit bull in him.  Of course she took him anyway and was looking for someone to foster him while he gets better physically,  to love and train him in preparation for a forever home.  When I saw that sad, precious face that looked like it hurt, I thought, "I can help this baby."  I sent a private message and Tina called me within the hour.  She said his face was so inflamed, his eyes were swollen shut, but when he heard someone coming up to the kennel, he still came forward and sat down, like he was waiting for someone to give him some love.  Yesterday his name was Ted.  When he arrived this morning, his name was Harvey.  I'm not sure who changed his name or why, but I fell in love with him the moment I saw him.  Even though he is hurting and itchy and can hardly see, he is trusting and is napping in his crate as I write.  Bruno is being a great boy and I think he is going to enjoy being a big foster brother.  I'm not going to think about the day Harvey leaves, except that when that day comes, he will be healthy and happy and I will have loved and cared for him to get him there. : )

The posted photo that tugged at my heart

After his first bath

Asleep in his crate in our kitchen

Harvey and I pose for the first time.  He hates his cone and hopefully we will be able to remove it soon.

First Assist

My first volunteer experience began when I saw a post on facebook from a group called "Dobies and Little Paws Rescue" about a Doberman puppy who needed to be picked up at a boarding facility and taken to a Starbuck's in Merced, CA.  On Tuesday, June 11th I set out for Best Friend's Pet Resort in Patterson, California. About an hour or so into the drive when I found myself kind of in the middle of nowhere, the thought crossed my mind that I had never met this person, Colleen, that I was supposed to take this dog to and perhaps she was some weirdo and I was being lured in to a dangerous situation.  I prepared myself as I kept driving as to how I would react if threatened....how I could just keep driving if something did not feel right, and I offered a little prayer.  When I arrived at the boarding facility, it was obvious any fear I had could be reserved for another day.  This was indeed a boarding facility, albeit, in the middle of nowhere.  I waited for a while and then out the door came this sweet, skinny little guy named Dillon.  I put a cute red collar on him that I had actually purchased for Bruno, but had never used.  He was frightened to jump into the truck so I lifted him in.  As I drove away, I spoke to him about what a good boy he was and how he was going to a nice place where they would find him a good home.  He was so very sweet and even nuzzled the side of my head when I stopped at a stop sign.  He was a bit smelly from the Demodex Mange, but I didn't mind.  He was a perfect passenger and though this might sound silly to some,  I could feel his sweet spirit and I was happy to be helping him.  I met Colleen in the parking lot of Starbuck's in Merced, visited with her for a moment, petted Dillon goodbye and then they were gone.

Sweet Dillon with his new red collar

My first "volunteer" dog

In the grand scheme of things, it was a very small offering on my part, but I drove home with a feeling of happiness and gratitude in my heart that I could help this sweet little creature.  I look forward to seeing the facebook post that says he has been adopted.

Love Dogs

I've started this blog to record my journey as I begin to volunteer for dog rescue and advocacy.  I love Dogs and my dog, Bruno, does too.  Well, let's say he likes dogs.  He also likes being the top dog.  Together we will do what we can to help dogs and those who rescue and care for the many dogs in need.

Bruno in the green space behind our home

Bruno in "his" yard

Another in his kingdom

Hot after running

I'd better not see any squirrels out here!

I'm done, let's go home