03/01/2025
A couple of days ago my phone rang. I've been taking some much needed personal time, so I did not answer. The missed call was followed immediately by a desperate text from someone asking me to take their dog. I get these calls and messages ALL. DAY. LONG. and while I can't even try to help everyone I do my best to find out what's going on and offer additional resources.
Turns out the LAST thing this lady wanted to do was give up her dog but she felt like she had no choice. She's going through a really hard time right now after losing her son in late 2023 and her dog is her best friend. She's living at a camp ground and on Thursday her dog slipped out the door and got into a scuffle with another dog. Neither dog required medical attention and this is the first time anything like this has happened, but of course because she's a "pit bull" type dog, they said she had to go immediately. Either the dog goes immediately or they were going to refuse to renew her lease for March.
I suggested a basket muzzle for walking in public and that she teach her to wait at the door until given the command to go outside to hopefully avoid future incidents. She admits that she's never really been socialized with other animals, so at 3 years old it's likely going to be easier to train the humans on how to protect their dog than it is to train to the dog to be a social butterfly. Even with safety measures implemented the campground was not willing to allow her dog back on the property. She was just begging me to save her dogs life, she couldn't fathom the idea of her going to a shelter or being put to sleep over such a minor incident that was an accident!
Well, I certainly can't take your unsocialized three year old dog at the drop of a hat, after there has been an altercation with another dog..... BUT I can help you find another campground and take a road trip to help you move so that you can KEEP your dog!!!!
Warren, Kai, and I are heading to Bassett VA to help this lady move her camper to a new campground so she and her pup can have a fresh start. I asked last night if she had any immediate needs because we could look through the excess WNC donations. She asked for things like body wash, dish soap, papertowels, cleaning supplies, dog food, dog treats, a basket muzzle, and blankets. We had everything except the cleaning supplies and things for her dog. We would also like to help her with the cost of boarding and her first months rent at the new campsite. The total for this would be $775 if you can help please see the comments for details.
