Foster Bliss

November 10, 2009
It's 10 p.m. here in Bend, OR on a cold fall night and we are all winding down for the evening. We need to keep this on the down low, but since Zack has been traveling for work, Zoë has become a little bit of a bed hog. She has made herself quite at home during our bedtime ritual. While I brush and floss, Zoë climbs up into my bed and snuggles up with her head on Zack's pillow, I mean she is doing him a favor by keeping it broken in while he's out of town. She sleeps not so quietly next to me all night (she is quite the snorer) and must be coaxed out of bed in the morning. I think she's kinda liking the life of sleeping in a bed surrounded by all her buddies. Fatty and Wheelie both join us in bed and Lucy chooses to stay in her doggy bed on the floor. I think other sleeping arrangements will need to be made once Zack returns from his work travels.

From Kym

What can I say, but she is awesome! She probably thinks she's in bootcamp here, but she's a good sport about it. We wake around 6-7 a.m. every morning, go out for our morning potty break and then I have some coffee and then we are off on our morning run, yes, this includes Zoë. She holds her tail high and gets in the zone taking it all in stride. We come back for breakfast, some doggy playtime, one last potty break and then a few hours of napping while I head to work. There's some midday play and potty time and lots of evening playtime. One would think she's been here forever. I think Wheelie and Fatty both have a crush on her, Wheelie won't give her 5 minutes of peace because she wants her attention. I've been putting off posting her on Petfinder knowing that when people see her smiling face and read her bio, they'll want her all for themselves. But the time has come, it's time for Zoë to go public and find her one true forever home, but it better be a damn good one for me to let go of her.

Zoë (f/k/a Sallie)

I post this old photo of Zoë (f/k/a Sallie) for contrast. Here she is a few days after Officer Petitt rescued her from her life on that chain in that field in Wadley.
This morning, sipping my morning coffee, I open my inbox to an array of photos from Zoë's new foster mom Kym. Among these images, professional headshots! Ha! I am loving it. Not that it would take a professional to capture the beauty of this dog...but it certainly helps.


Also, I want to share with you a beautiful and thoughtful email from Kym:

This is the true story of how one man’s simple act and decision to not turn a blind eye changed the course of two dogs in rural Georgia, an area that dogs seldom live past the age of 5 due to the harsh realities of being a dog in the rural south. It is also the story of how a community of folks decided to not accept the status quo and how I was lucky enough to become a part of it all. I hope you will take the time to read about it.

In June of this year, Officer Bruce Petit drove by a field where he saw something not quite right, and he did what so many of us often hesitate to do, he stopped and looked to see what was there. And what he saw still brings some sadness to my heart—two female pit bulls on chains shorter than the average dog leash with a litter of dead puppies and food strewn about, both just out of reach of the dogs. And even though Bruce believed, as he would tell me in his own words months later, that all pit bulls should be shot dead on the spot, he decided in this instant to give these two girls a chance. Over the next few weeks many other people chose to step in including a kind vet where the dogs were boarded, the local district attorney who made it her mission to get both these dogs into forever homes, and many others who walked and socialized the dogs while they were being boarded. The dogs were most likely used as fight and/or bait dogs in the brutal world of dog fighting, which is rampant in the deep south, but as those who committed themselves to rescuing these two girls quickly realized, they bore few emotional scars of their past lives, instead oozing appreciation to all those willing to give them a second chance.

One day, I was perusing a website I frequent, www.bestfriends.org, and saw their story. I read that they were still in need of fostering and/or permanent homes. Zack and I have been fostering dogs since March of this year and have realized how satisfying and totally doable it is to get dogs that many would overlook, into their forever homes. I decided to email Kelly, the district attorney in the case, a fellow dog lover and the advocate of these two dogs to see if they were still in need of foster. What I was hoping to hear was that they had both found their happily ever after. After all, I wasn’t totally sure I wanted to get involved with possible former fight dogs and a group of folks I had never met and thought perhaps I had nothing in common with, but instead within a few hours of sending my email I heard from Kelly that these two dogs were still waiting. At that point I had to decide if I wanted to turn a blind eye or take the next step and get involved. And with the support of the group that Zack and I foster with and the unquestioning thumbs up from Zack, I took the plunge. I started working with Bruce and Kelly to get the dogs assessed in order to determine the best fit for our home where we already have two dogs and one cat. They were happy to do whatever it took to get one of these dogs to Oregon for foster. After speaking with Bruce, “just a simple redneck trying to do the right thing,” and lots of emails with Kelly it was decided that Sallie would come to Oregon. Between the heartworm treatment she would need and planning her transport out here, it would still be months until I actually met her, but as the days and weeks went on, I knew more and more that she would do well out here. Finally after an unending amount of hard work on Kelly’s part, Sallie flew to Portland, OR on Thursday, October 22 where I drove to pick her up and meet her for the first time. She’s such a beautiful laid-back girl, it was like we were old friends. She laid peacefully in the back seat of my car listening to music with me and gently taking french fries when I offered them.

Sallie, who has been renamed Zoë to give her some west coast flare, has been in our house for only four days, but she’s already become one of the pack. She plays never ending chase and tug o war with Wheelie and allows Lucy, our little princess, to choose when she can play with her. She greets every person as if they are an old friend. Zoë’s tail hasn’t stopped wagging since she’s gotten here and wags even harder when she sees Fatty, the cat, who she likes to give soft licks to before leaving her alone. She doesn’t ask for a whole lot, just some occasional food and water and lots of pets. We are working to get Zoë into her forever home and have no doubt it will happen. And until then, I get the opportunity to hang out with a dog that reminds me that the past doesn’t matter so much as long as you can enjoy today. And we are making sure Zoë gets to enjoy everyday

Thank you to Bruce, Kelly, Vicki and Dr. Ford who took that first scary step to get involved and to not accept the status quo. Thank you to Zack for never once saying, no, but always saying of course and to Jerleen, Jenn, Melissa, Susan and Kay for making it seem like there was no decision making at all as to whether or not Zoë should come out to rescue in Oregon with All For Dogs Rescue. And of course thank you to Lucy, Fatty and Wheelie for allowing yet another dog to share their snuggle time and playtime.

Zoey in Bend, Oregon

Zoey's Oregon Foster Mom writes:

Well, it's official, Zoey has won over all the creatures in her new foster home which includes two dogs, one cat and two humans. Wheelie and Zoey have become tug o war buddies and Lucy, Ms. Princess, had an hour long play session with Zoey this morning. Even Fatty the cat, doesn't become alarmed at the sight of Ms. Zoey.

Last night Zoey attended her first Halloween party. We had folks over for some pumpkin carving and she only lasted in the crate for about 10 minutes before everyone wanted her to come out so they could meet her. She moved around the room giving great big kisses and face sniffs of all the guests. And last night, without question, Zack, my husband, her new foster dad called for her to come upstairs to bed, where she slept on the dog bed next to us on the floor. No more nighttime crate sleeping for her.

After hearing about Sallie, aka Zoey, for so many months and reading the blog about her life in foster care, I had few reservations about brining her to our home for foster, and now that she's here with us, I have absolutely none. She doesn't ask for a whole lot, but is more than willing to do what those around her ask of her like playing a never ending game of chase with Wheelie and going into her crate willingly when we must leave the house for a bit. She is an inspiration to me to make the most of everyday and not worry about the past, or the future.

You've Come a Long Way, Baby...

Ok--So a cigarette ad may seem like an odd way to express my joy at Sallie's journey. But I just couldn't shake the slogan. It fits so well.

Sallie, of course, began her journey back in June, when Officer Petitt of the Wadley Police Department discovered two malnourished dogs chained to stakes in a field littered with the decaying remains of other dogs.

That was the first June. Today is the last of October. And Sallie, now Zoey, is on the other side of country in Bend, Oregon.

She was accepted into the foster program of All For Dogs Rescue of Central Oregon and on Thursday of this week, she flew Delta non-stop to Portland.

On Wednesday night, I drove Sallie half-way to Atlanta to meet my Dad and my Sister, who took her to the airport early on Thursday morning. While I have been astounded by their incredible support of the rescue of Sallie & Ellie (Lori is fostering Ellie), I know that their interest is due, in primary part, to the incredible spirit of these two dogs. These two dogs have endured significant adversity, enough to win their first "care taker" a felony arrest warrant. But somehow, they have remained trusting and lovely. Being beautiful helps too.

So here's a shot of Zoey crossing the country! What a journey for a such simple country girl. She arrived on time and without incident.
I spoke with Kym, her new foster mom, as they were leaving the airport in Portland. Sallie was curiously processing the new scents of the other side of the nation. I suppose nothing surprises her these days. Yesterday, Kym writes:

Hey Kelly! As I write this Sallie, now named Zoey, is laying on our floor in front of the fire. There were a few snarls when the introductions were done, but Wheelie in her never ending optimism is determined to make Zoey her tug of war buddy and Lucy has decided she will allow Zoey to reside in her palace. We had an easy ride home from the airport listing to music and eating french fries together. She just wants to get and give love! I'll keep you posted.

What a vision. I have no doubt she will find that perfect forever home. Her chances of connecting with the right family are so much greater in Oregon. If you are reading this and know someone on the Northwest that is looking for an amazing dog with an amazing story, please tell them about Zoey.

We miss our girl. But it is a happy-kind-of-miss. God's speed Zoey!

Ellie in October

My sister, who is fostering Ellie, reports Ellie is doing great in foster. Although she had one fussy spat with her foster brother Romeo over a toy, Lori and her husband have been working with her daily and report Ellie is learning how to share. Knowing how to love comes naturally to this dog. She is a little ball of sunshine that is loving her life in foster. Right now, she has not prospects for rescue intake or adoption. She is an awesome dog and deserves a life and a family as wonderful as she is. If you are interested in meeting Ellie or think she would be a great fit in your life, please email me. Also, if you know of any rescue opportunities for Ellie, also let me know.

Just One of the Girls (and Sue)

Yesterday was a beautiful day. A new season is always good to remind you of good fortune and possibilities. Me and Nic brought Sallie out into the backyard to interact with our dogs for the first time. After watching her natural and easy way, I began to question just why I had waited so long. I suppose I am a worst-case-scenario thinker. In any event, as you can see from the video, she behaves naturally and clearly enjoys the freedom to gallop.

She is featured interacting with Miley (our Staffordshire Terrier adopted from Old Fella after she was rejected from two rescue group transports ostensibly because of her breed), Sue--the lone male (our Catahoula-American Staffordshire Terrier adopted from ARNO post-Katrina), and Ms. Mae (our Airedale Terrier Mix who was a shelter pull in Louisiana and also adopted from ARNO).

I look forward to that day when some person or family sits down to attach a photo of Sallie to an email and then types, "this is my new dog, adopted from All For Dogs Rescue of Central Oregon." The more time I spend with Sallie, the more I know just what an amazing dog she is and what an amazing companion she shall be. I will miss her more than I presently estimate, I am sure.

Sallie to Fly!

We are gearing up for Sallie's great trek across the country. Kym, her pledged foster mom in Oregon, is anxiously awaiting the welcome of Sallie to the greener pastures Oregon shall surely provide.

We attempted to orchestrate a cross-country drive to deliver Sallie from Georgia to Oregon, but we were unable to secure drivers for the leg between Little Rock and Albuquerque. Perhaps one day soon, we will need to call on those drivers to help us get Ellie out of Georgia to her forever home.

But in the meantime, we have decided to fly Sallie north. Right now, I am exploring Delta animal cargo options (non-stop flight from Atlanta to Oregon) as well as Pet Air, Inc. If you have any experience with either of these options or know of another good resource for flying rescue dogs, please email me with details.

I have set up a fundraiser for Sallie's airfare, which I am estimating to be about $400 (including the cost of the travel grade kennel). If you would like to support her journey, please pledge a donation toward the cost of this ticket. Your financial assistance would be immense.