Dew, the Black Lab

Dew arrived at the NNHS shelter in 2006. Aside from being moved from one cage to another when the staff cleaned in the mornings, he rarely got to go outside on a leash. Yet his spirit never waned. Did he know that someone, somewhere would rescue him? Was it possible when there are thousands of black Labs put down every day in shelters all across the country?

A rescue organization in Bloomingburg, New York heard the plea and hit the ground running … to save some Labs … Labs they didn't know … in a part of the country they'd never visited. After putting some of our black Labs on their website, an adopter contacted them about Dew. An adoption application was carefully reviewed in Maryville and in New York and approved. Dew had a home! Now, how on earth would Dew get to New York?

After a lot of research and hard work, an NNHS rescue volunteer had the good fortune to meet Stephanie on line. Stephanie lives in California and is a certified Over the Road Animal Transit driver. En route to vacation in Massachusetts, she decided to save some dogs along the way. When she showed up at the NNHS shelter, she spent a considerable amount of time with Dew, the lucky dog she decided would accompany her on to New York. Do these kinds of things really happen? Are there really kind-hearted people in this world who will commit to saving one dog? You betcha!

From their pet-friendly hotel room the first night (a Ramada Inn, no less), she wrote: "My favorite part of the night was when Dew discovered his own reflection! I had so much fun watching him. There was a small stepstool/ottoman that I placed in front of the bureau and he learned how to step up on it to get higher up to see his reflection…. He's VERY smart.”

Those of us who loved Dew at the shelter always knew he had potential. He is pictured below in his new home with his new Dad. Way to go, Dew!

THIS IS WHAT RESCUE IS ALL ABOUT!

Connie Rides Shotgun to New York

An eight-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, Connie, and her owner were inseparable. Yep. She was spoiled and treated like a baby. Even when her elderly owner became quite ill, Connie never left his side. He needed her there, and that's where she was determined to stay – steadfast to the end. Her owner asked Michelle (his caretaker) to make sure that Connie was well cared for when he passed. Michelle tried hard to fulfill the commitment she made. But, when it became impossible for her, she brought Connie to the NNHS shelter.

Connie became a top priority for the Rescue Team. No one could ever replace her former owner, but someone would surely see the love in her heart and the sparkle in her eyes; she still had so much to give. It took three months to find a rescue willing to help. Finally, Vicki in Pennsylvania responded that they had a foster home for Connie. Fantastic news! Now, how could Connie get to the east coast?

Trucker Tom, known far and wide among rescue organizations from Colorado to New Jersey, for his willingness to transport dogs to safety in his 18-wheeler. Tom's a certified Operation Roger transporter and a skilled dog handler. Long story short, you had to be there to see Connie sitting next to Tom in the passenger seat as they pulled out – north bound and down to Pennsylvania.

Connie (on the left) is pictured here with her new owner, Susan, and her best friend, “Marshall”. THIS IS WHAT RESCUE IS ALL ABOUT!