One year ago today, I got suckered into trying to help rescue a dog in need. It was a malnourished Great Pyrenees that had been traded by a homeless man for a cheeseburger and $20 in downtown Dallas. Due to circumstances, the pooch (let’s call him “Cheeseburger”) ended up at the Dallas Animal Shelter in danger of euthanasia.
Thanks to the dedicated rescue groups like the Collin County Humane Society and Metroplex Animal Coalition, Cheeseburger (pictured) was to be rescued if someone could transport the young GP from DAS to a foster home in Collin County. Shoot! I had nothing else going on that day and I had a gas guzzling SUV that could handle such a project.
The problem?
Going to the DAS! That was my idea of sunbathing in purgatory. I recalled going to the old pound near the zoo back in the 70’s. It was a scene out of Charles Dickens, only worse. But I had to put my fears aside to help Cheeseburger, so off I went to new shelter on I-30.
What an incredible surprise! I found our tax dollars and the efforts of many had resulted in an excellent facility. It was Mr. Clean spotless with plenty of light. There were hand sanitizing stations throughout. The staff, while being very overworked, was very helpful and vigilante. If you petted one animal, you were asked to sanitize your hands before touching another.
While I waited for Cheeseburger’s paperwork to be processed, I wandered over in the adoption area with hundreds of dogs and cats all vying for attention. One stuck out. She was so adorable. Her card reported that she was about six months old and had been found wandering the streets of Dallas back in April.
Today, a year later, I learned that Cheeseburger is happily living the life of Riley. Besides being very healthy and putting on weight, he’s spoiled rotten and adored by all in the household.
As for that adorable six-month old puppy, we named her Sweet Cherry T (pictured).