A Christmas Rescue Story...

I wanted to share a little Christmas Story close to my heart to give hope for all of those sweet homeless pets out there and shine light on the wonderful volunteers that work so hard to save them, everyday.

I was browsing www.Petfinder.com a few weeks ago when I saw this girl at a Sheriff's Office in Angleton, Texas (about 1 hour West of Houston). I had a feeling that I had to do something about getting her out of there. I can't explain it; I just felt it in my heart. My father had been asking me to find him a Vizsla Rescue for a long time now and it was time. He had a sweet girl, Rudy, a few years back that was his best friend and hunting companion, and he desperately wanted another piece of this wonderful breed to love. I knew that saving this life for him would be the ultimate gift - and a gift of life for this sweet dog.

I spoke with Tammy Grable, the Animal Control Officer at the Shelter and she explained that the Vizsla girl didn't have much time left. She didn't have to say that they were too full, of dogs and cats, and just didn't have room to keep her long... working with various Rescue organizations for a while now, I knew what that meant. My heart was racing and I just had to do something, NOW!

So, I quickly sent out a plea to various friends of mine and fellow Rescue Groups to help me save this girl from a Sheriff's office in Angleton, Texas. She had no chance of being adopted, as they do not adopt animals to the general public and she had already been there for over two weeks, so the chances of her owner coming to find her were basically non-existent.

I knew this would be no easy task, as I am up here in New Brunswick, Canada and she was way down in Southern-Western Texas. Not to mention that most of my Rescue contacts are around Dallas-Fort Worth area, and not in that area of Texas at all. I knew that finding a wonderful volunteer to pull the dog, vet her for flight and send her up to Boston airport would be no small task. Where there is a will, there is a way! - I told myself. I explained to my mother that it may not happen but that I would do my best. She was excited and scared all at the same time.

After many emails sent out and contacts made, I finally had a lead. Karol with French Bulldog Rescue Network called me on my cell phone Friday morning, saying that Sally, a Houston Rescue Volunteer was heading to that same Angleton, TX Shelter that morning! What are the chances of that? I called Sally up right away. She said she was headed over there to pick up some dogs for another Rescue organization that same day. She could pick up the Vizsla girl, but we had no volunteer to keep her overnight for a few days until we could get her vetted and on a plane. She already had other dogs being juggled around, trying to get them here and there as well, and her husband was at his wits end with her rescue efforts. While at the shelter, she did get to meet the Vizsla girl and said she was a very sweet and beautiful girl.

I spent all weekend networking and distressing about finding a volunteer to be so kind as to foster the Vizsla for a night or two, maybe three. No emails, no phone calls, no volunteers. Only one link in the chain missing, but such a vital one - SO close. Then Sunday night, Sally contacted me, saying that she would take care of her until we could get her vetted and fly her out to Boston, MA on Saturday where we would drive 8hrs each way to pick her up. Sally took her into her home and fell in love. She went above and beyond to make sure she had a great stay in Houston before her long ride home. For that, we will be forever grateful to Sally. It is amazing people like Sally that really make the difference in these animal's lives and the Rescue world.

Thanks to a wonderful network of compassionate volunteers and friends, the Vizsla girl (now named Maggie May) has made it home safe and sound.

She loves life and such a doll, one of the sweetest dogs I have ever met. It just goes to show that love, hope and determination really do make a difference in the world. To this little girl it sure did.

Maggie May enjoying her new plush life and meeting my mother at the airport for the first time.

Maggie May

Maggie's story even made the Brazoria County Texas News highlighting Tammy, the Animal Control Officer that helps many animals each day!

Headline: Animal Control officers use computer contacts to give pets a second chance at life

Please keep in mind this Holiday Season and every day throughout the year that there are so many pets in need in Shelters and Rescues across the world. They need time, money and many volunteers to make their efforts successful and save many lives.

Opt to Adopt and save a homeless pet!

If you can't adopt, there are ways you can help out!

Spay or Neuter your pets! This is the leading cause of unwanted animals and why so many die in shelters everyday. Do YOUR part and be a responsible pet owner.

Donate your time or money to local and national shelters and rescue groups. Have old pet supplies, towels or newspapers laying around? Donate those as well! With your help, they can make a difference.

We wish everyone a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Randi Gallant
Owner/Designer
 Zoë's Collection