A Long and Precious Rescue: Part Two

Friday arrived and I waited nervously for the text or email that Tyrone had picked up the Barstow dogs. I was at work and finally the text came through. "Dogs and paperwork on their way." Yes!

Then the texts and calls and Facebook posts started happening. Lynn had the girls! I anxiously awaited news on their temperament. I had taken a risk pulling them but a trusted rescuer had evaluated them and said they were somewhat shy but friendly and interested in people. But still - each person's take on "shy" is different. And after the adoption was finalized the animal control officer had said "well, the big one is kinda mean and snappy." Of course that had me in a panic. It was probably just shelter stress but you never know.

Sweet mama dog who had been labelled as "mean" by animal control when she was protective of her pups

Lynn called and let me know she was likely the mama of the youngest pups and so was probably highly stressed about strangers coming into the kennel space. Outside of the shelter she was wary and kept an eye on the younger girls, but was sniffing and resting calmly on the grass. That's pretty much the norm for Rat Terriers coming out of the shelter environment so I was super relieved. We had four beautiful, shy, but adoptable female standard Rat Terriers! They were beginning their journey towards new lives as family dogs.

The two 12-18 month girls, taking a potty break on the transport to Fresno

The girls are now being temped in the Central Valley of California but will be brought into open foster spots in Washington over the next several weeks. Stay tuned for upcoming "Rescue Railroad" posts that might include their photos. The Northwest team of volunteers is very excited to welcome these girls and I am so thankful for Lynn, and Chuck and Tyrone and the many other rescuers, and Sarah at the shelter who all took part in saving their lives.

Six month old Savannah takes a rest after arriving at her temporary foster home. Her journey to freedom was an exhausting one.

They say the harder you work for something and the more of yourself you put into it, the sweeter it is when you suceed and that is definitely the case here.

One of the 12 month olds, making a friend and giving and getting some attention.