I’ve written before about how many different roles a person can play with regards to animal rescue. Sometimes, the part we need to play is that of the “matchmaker.” Let me explain. A few months ago we had a sweet couple move in next door to us. I immediately knew we’d get along when I saw they had a an elderbelle and a chihuahua. We started talking whenever we were outside with our dogs and I mentioned once that I fostered pit bulls. They happened to mention that they were interested in possibly adopting another pittie someday. Through our various conversations, I gathered that they were looking for a younger pittie, preferably a girl. So when this plea came across Facebook a few days ago, the wheels started turning in my head…
The plea for Carolina broke my heart. The shelters in Kansas City are so full right now that just the slightest bit of mange is enough to get a dog placed on the “list” for euthanasia. Fostering is just not an option for us right now, but I felt so strongly about Carolina’s case that I knew I had to try to figure something out for her. On the morning of June 7th (which you’ll notice is the deadline for Carolina to be saved), I struck up a conversation with my neighbors and asked them if they were still interested in adopting another pittie. They said yes. I showed them a photo of Carolina and told them a bit about her. They were interested but weren’t sure if she was “The One” so I explained to them what is entailed in fostering and what it would mean for Carolina. They were totally onboard for fostering and immediately filled out a foster application with MABBR. Carolina came to their house that afternoon! Here is Carolina after she was pulled from the shelter – pretty happy girl, huh?
In less than 15 minutes, Carolina (renamed Lucy by my neighbors) was best friends with Nipsy (the elderbelle) and Spaz (the chihuahua) and had Jeremy and Elise (my neighbors) wrapped around her little mange-covered paw. From what I’ve gathered this weekend, they are totally smitten and I am 99% sure they will foster fail. But had we never struck up a conversation in the first place, that love connection may never have happened. While I am not fostering myself, I am still able play an important part in rescue just by talking about it. Same thing with the people who posted her plea on Facebook. It may seem like a small piece of the puzzle, but it can make a huge difference in the life of a shelter animal.
* I will be posting about Carolina (now Lucy) from time to time as she recovers from mange and learns what life is like as a beloved family member *
16 comments
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June 11, 2012 at 6:47 AM
crystalwayward
This is such great news — and proof of your superior networking skills!
June 11, 2012 at 7:57 AM
Mr. and Mrs. and Nola Kisses
That is so great! She is such a doll. Maybe now you can convince them to start blogging about her? 🙂
June 11, 2012 at 7:58 AM
Dogs In the Bubble
Thank you Emily! Good luck for Lucky Lucy!
June 11, 2012 at 8:06 AM
Sara
I just wish people understood how important it is to “share” these dogs on facebook!
June 11, 2012 at 8:16 AM
Heartbeat-At-My-Feet
GO YOU! You totally saved that dog’s life. And way to go, Jeremy and Elise, for being open to the idea of fostering. Even if this turns out to be a fail, it’s the BEST kind! 🙂
June 11, 2012 at 8:36 AM
Allie
Awww, what a wonderful story! You rock, and so do your neighbors! I also love that she was renamed Lucy — it’s like fate. We can’t foster right now, either, so I’m helping to market dogs to help them find homes faster. Playing matchmaker is a lot of fun & does so much good.
June 11, 2012 at 8:45 AM
Rachel
Yayyy for Lucy! That is such great news. And awesome job making that connection and saving little Lucy’s life. She is a lucky pup!
June 11, 2012 at 8:49 AM
Kathy
Thank you for the happy story. I needed it this Monday morning. Thanks, too, for all you do for the fur babies in need.
June 11, 2012 at 9:05 AM
Married with Dawgs
Great job, Foster Mama Extraordinaire and Saver of Doggies! Lucy is one lucky gal!
June 11, 2012 at 9:45 AM
Debra Lockhart
That is AWESOME! Every share, every mention helps in ways people can never imagine. You are the tops!
June 11, 2012 at 11:25 AM
The Rufus Way
This is so awesome! The role of matchmaker is a very important one!
June 11, 2012 at 1:15 PM
tholupka
Further proof of your awesomeness! Lucy’s new chance in life brings me smiles!
June 11, 2012 at 4:08 PM
Mazzie @ Mazzie Takes Manhattan
Great post and very important reminder about talking up dogs in need to anyone and everyone. Love that picture of her in the car on the way to her foster home …. the looks of relief and joy on her face are unmistakable.
June 11, 2012 at 7:01 PM
Two Pitties in the City
This is so great! Maybe you can start a new thing as Canine Matchmaker!
June 12, 2012 at 4:40 PM
Rebelwerewolf
Ooh, there could even be a show about you and your canine matchmaking!
June 12, 2012 at 6:32 PM
daisydog
Awesome Pawsome! Thank you for reaching out! Yea for Lucy, yea for your neighbors and HUGS for you!