You might remember I mentioned in an update on the post I wrote about the city (kill) animal care & control facility in Lytle Texas HERE that one of my readers, Amy, was going to adopt sweet Nanny! Amy just so happens to also live in New Hampshire. She, her husband and two young sons live about an hour north of us. They recently lost their beloved rescue dog of ten years. Amy told her boys that their dog, Dora, had gone to heaven and was now an "angel dog." About a month after Dora's passing Amy's youngest, Lee, asked her when Dora was going to stop being an angel dog and come back and be their real dog :( Amy was thinking of adopting again in the fall, but when she happened upon the post I did on the Animal Care & Control in Lytle which featured Nanny, and she saw this sweet face (below) and the same soulful eyes that their Dora had had, she was in love and just wanted her "home."
Nanny was originally scheduled to arrive in New England on the 14th of May with Greg from Rescue Road Trips animal transport. We had made plans with Amy to join her at the transport arrival point to meet and see Nanny walk off the transport and into her new life. A few days before the 14th, I received an S.O.S. email from Alice Lang, the amazing volunteer adoption coordinator for Lytle Animal Care & Control. She told me that Greg's transport vehicle had been involved in an accident (thankfully NO dogs were on board and his driver had to have a few stitches, but wasn't seriously hurt) and because of the accident the transport was going to be a week behind schedule and Nanny would be arriving the next Saturday on the 21st of May. That day was Amy's son's 7th birthday party and invitations had been sent, the party site reserved, and the party planned so they weren't going to be available to pick up Nanny. So, of course, I JUMPED at the chance to pick Nanny up for Amy and her family last Saturday! As I've mentioned, it takes a village to rescue even one dog and we were very happy and honored to be a part of Nanny's village!
Nanny was originally scheduled to arrive in New England on the 14th of May with Greg from Rescue Road Trips animal transport. We had made plans with Amy to join her at the transport arrival point to meet and see Nanny walk off the transport and into her new life. A few days before the 14th, I received an S.O.S. email from Alice Lang, the amazing volunteer adoption coordinator for Lytle Animal Care & Control. She told me that Greg's transport vehicle had been involved in an accident (thankfully NO dogs were on board and his driver had to have a few stitches, but wasn't seriously hurt) and because of the accident the transport was going to be a week behind schedule and Nanny would be arriving the next Saturday on the 21st of May. That day was Amy's son's 7th birthday party and invitations had been sent, the party site reserved, and the party planned so they weren't going to be available to pick up Nanny. So, of course, I JUMPED at the chance to pick Nanny up for Amy and her family last Saturday! As I've mentioned, it takes a village to rescue even one dog and we were very happy and honored to be a part of Nanny's village!
So, last Saturday Dan and I, along with the three girls, drove a couple of hours south to one of Rescue Road Trip's drop-off locations in Putnam, Connecticut. We were given a 30 minute window for the transport's arrival. Standing there waiting for the transport (with all the other people waiting on their new furry loves to arrive) and then seeing it pull into the parking lot is such an exciting moment.
Greg of Rescue Road Trips welcoming all the adopters.
Greg was being filmed for a documentary that is being produced about him. So deserving. He is a wonderful, nice man and his work is a gift to so many.
The adopters with their new loves.
Nanny taking her first step into New England!
Nanny rode in a crate on the drive back to the farmhouse. She did great and is a perfect "honorary-sister" to Ella, Magnolia and Louise, don't you agree?! Amy and family were to meet us at the house later that evening.
While Nanny was gorgeous (look at that brindle coat and her butterscotch eyes) and sweet, she was quiet and reserved and really didn't wag her tail much at all. We attributed it to everything she had been through the last several days. As with all of our southern dogs she had never seen a stair before and didn't know how to go up or down, but after a while of following the girls she was starting to get the hang of it.
Nanny with her honorary-sister pink bow to match the girls pink collars.
I knew from the first time I saw Nanny that she was Louise's twin- in looks and sweetness. Although Louise's ears are down in this photo you can still see how much they look alike. They both have the same intense butterscotch eyes.
A little "love gift" filled with treats and toys for Nanny!
We sat on the front porch waiting for Nanny's new family to arrive. It was all so exciting! The second the boys got out of the car Nanny started wagging her tail. It was so obvious that she knew these were her "people!" It was magical to see how she reacted to every member of the family.
Amy with her precious boys Earl (the 7-year-old birthday boy) and (3-year-old) Lee meeting/kissing Nanny for the first time! (Ella is always part of the welcoming committee;)
Love the way sweet Nanny is looking at Earl in this photo... like she can't believe her eyes that he belongs to her and she belongs to him... forever. Little Lee is in the background loving on Louise!
After a quick martini-powered tour;) through the farmhouse with Amy we made our way outside and when they opened the back of their SUV Nanny immediately jumped on her new bed pad and laid down. She looked and acted like she had done that for years. Nanny knew they were her forever family.
Lee hugging Nanny. That adorable smile sums it up and says it all! Nanny is one lucky little girl now. Thank you to Amy, Rob, Earl and Lee for adopting and loving sweet, precious Nanny!
Check out these other precious pups at the Lytle Animal Shelter that need a home.... your home, maybe?!!
Click on their names above the photo to find more information, and don't forget to click the video box to see their individual videos.
This sweet tiny angel girl was dumped with her pillow at a cellphone store in Texas just days ago. She is quiet, calm and loves to be held and cuddle. Love her!!
Like Nanny was Louise's double, this little lab/pit mix is Magnolia's twin. You have no idea how I am trying to figure out how I can fit her/four dogs in my car;) I adore this little one. She is already in Vermont! The family that adopted her had a cat and after being adopted Raisen decided she didn't like living with a cat;) So she needs a cat-less home. Her adoption fee is only $170 since her transport has already been paid. Watch her video of her playing to see how cute she is! She looks so much like Magnolia that I can hardly stand it.
Those ears.... the cuteness... too much!
Beautiful girl. You can see in her eyes she's a smart girl.
Love her coloring.
This is one sweet, sweet girl.
Her previous owner turned little Colleen in because she was pregant, and then wanted to pick another dog (no, that did NOT happen).) Can you even believe that?? She just wants to be loved. Adore her "smile!"
Precious little Tyra. I think she needs a tiara! What a doll.
ADAM-- HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!!!!!!!!!
Adorable!
So handsome!
I could carry Jeremy in my purse! Adorable!
That face! This boy is a prince of a dog and is a great size- only about 5 lbs more than our girls. Read about him!
Gorgeous sweet girl! Watch her video, she is so beautiful!
Precious Tessa. I should show her to Bunny Williams as she looks just like the rescue dogs that Bunny adopts!
Puppy preciousness! He needs a happy ending after his sad start... read little Danny's story.
Sweet, precious boy!
Opt to adopt!!!
I honestly don't mean to sound disrespectful but with all the available dogs already in New England, why is it necessary to go elsewhere to adopt to a loving home?
ReplyDeleteDenise
hi Denise, I understand your question and don't think you sound disrespectful. While New England does have some dogs in shelters the majority of the ones here (in shelters) are also transplants from the south. Northern rescues (like the Nashua NH Humane Society for example) will partner with southern shelters and bring in many dogs at one time. They adopt them out and then receive another van of dogs. It's a good question and in fact that was the reason the person doing the documentary on Greg said she was doing it- to educate people on the situation since many aren't aware or might not understand it. I know it appears that there are New England dogs needing homes (and, of course, there are some) but the demand to adopt here is much stronger than the amount of dogs available. And,, sadly, the number of dogs entering shelters in the south is staggering, with many being executed for lack of space. The laws, license requirements, and cultural attitude are completely different in the south compared to New England.
DeleteI appreciate anyone who takes a moment to highlight pet adoption. However, respectfully, I live in Southern NY state, and our shelters are full to overflowing, with euthanasia practiced weekly. There are very few no-kill shelters and I recently learned that when a no-kill shelter is too full with dropped off pets, they simply arrange to have a kill shelter take them and add them to their population. Many end up euthanized.
DeleteI certainly cannot speak about the Texas shelter you're trying to help, but there is a real 'racket' practiced in some shelters, puppy mills and back yard breeders in the south. The dogs that can't be sold while still cute puppies are sold very cheaply to some of these shelters, some of which are for-profit businesses. The whole situation is very tragic, and again, I thank you and commend you for trying to assist with it. But I do hope folks just go down to their local shelter and adopt today.
Thanks for the explanation Joan. Obviously I was ignorant and appreciate your thoughtful reply.
DeleteDenise
Tracy, Thank you for your comment. My message (and personal mission) is to be a voice for animal adoption and rescue- by adopting myself, sharing information about dogs, dog adoption and shelters on my blog, and donating to non-profit shelters. You are absolutely correct the south has MAJOR issues with horrible, unscrupulous puppy mills and back yard breeders. I have heard that NYC and much of NY also has overflowing shelters. But, here in New England there is a lack of dogs in shelters and my goal is to inform people that they can still adopt a dog, even from another state and there are ways to then get that dog to you. I personally have never encountered a for-profit "shelter", but your comment brings up a good point and is a reminder of the importance of doing our homework and making sure we are working to eliminate the problem and not be a part of it . I totally agree with you- check your local shelter and do it often when looking to adopt!
DeleteNot ignorant at all Denise, I'm sure other people reading this post will have the same thought and question and I appreciate you asking so that I could explain the situation.
DeleteWhat a sweet story. It is always so wonderful when a precious dog is able to find a family that will love and care for them in the way they deserve. Just rescued my own darling little girl or I would be taking more. It is amazing how sweet rescue pets are. It is like they can sense they are one of the lucky ones and are so grateful.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you and your new little girl Marilyn! I totally agree that they can sense they are the lucky ones and are grateful for it.
DeleteOh my gosh, Joanie!! I am crying!!! What a wonderful post!
ReplyDeletexxo
DeleteThese precious pups sure do pull at the heart strings! I want them all! Unfortunately, two is my limit and we have two (both in my chair with me as I write) love bugs. I hope your post find homes for every one!
ReplyDeleteMe too Lynn! hugs to your love bugs!
DeleteTruly appreciate your warm heart and your love for these sweet dogs. I am a kindred spirit! I believe Raisen would fit in your family "just right". What's one more and besides, you could always get a bigger car?
ReplyDeleteShe is so precious. I think I could have 10!
DeleteI'm going to need to reapply my mascara. Nanny meeting her family is so heartwarming and sweet. It also brings back the butterflies feeling of excitement watching the transport truck arrive and knowing the new love of my life was finally home.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you, too, know that feeling!
DeleteBEAUTIFUL story, and one happy ending! You can't get better than that - smiles all around! Even from here XOXOXXO
ReplyDeletehugs to you and the sweetpeas!
DeleteLovely to read there is goodness in the world. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading and your support.
DeleteIsn't it funny that dogs seems to know our feelings even before we know them. When I got upset, my sons and husband didn't know what to do but our dogs came over and licked my hand and put their heads in my lap. It is good Karma to rescue animals. I belong to A Hand For A Paw in Fairfield County and we offer low cost vaccinations, micro chipping and dog/cat food to people that need it. You can check us out on the computer. Thanks for doing this.
ReplyDeleteThey do indeed know. I think they are angels on earth:) That is such a great need- to offer low cost vaccinations, micro chips and food. I have heard that many people will have to give up their pet because of the cost. It also affects a lot of elderly people who could really use the companionship. Thank you for mentioning A Hand For Paws. Our vet also has a fund where people can donate to help out local neighbors who are struggling to keep their pet.
DeleteI wish I could adopt all of them. Their sweet faces break my heart. I am certain many people will want them. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteMe too Victoria.
DeleteSo happy for the happy ending! I've been thinking about Nanny since you first posted her story, as I have Nanny's doppelganger! I adopted my 'Nanny' (aka 'Rowan') from a private herd dog rescue in Arkansas. It might have been on Nanny's Petfinder page, but somewhere I saw Nanny identified as a Plott Hound (and she does look like one), but Rowan's mom was a purebred border collie and her dad was a Heeler/Catahoula cross. Apparently she also looks like a Plott Hound--just with a border collie crouch and stare! Must Love Dogs! Lisa McK.
ReplyDeleteMust Love Dogs Indeed!! Yes, Nanny was mentioned to be a Plott Hound.
DeleteIt shouldn't really matter if the pet is adopted from Texas or Vermont - it is a life saved! It reminds me of the argument that we should only help poor children, not animals. I always argue why can't we help both?! You weren't saying people should only rescue dogs from the South - you were just educating people that we can save and rescue pets all around the country. You have a wonderful soul and I commend you for your efforts❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you Jazabelz!
DeleteJoan,
ReplyDeleteI love this happy ending. I'm always brought to tears when a rescue dog meets his or her loving, forever family! Thank you for sharing these stories.
xo,
Karen
And thank you for your support Karen!
DeleteOhhhh Joan, this story tugged at my heart
ReplyDeleteSoooo Bitter Sweet, sooooo sweet of ya'll
to go pick up Nanny, oh my goodness
gracious she is Beautiful!!!!! Yay she is now
at her fur ever home, those sisters are
Precious Sweetie Pies!!!!
I follow RRT Greg and his team are Angels!!
Loved ya post and ya blog!!!!!!!!
We send kissaroos n bear hugs to those
Sisters from Tank n Tanner.
That's so funny when you mention the unfamiliarity with stairs. We rescued two goldens from the south several years ago, and they didn't know what to do with stairs either. Why is that?
ReplyDeleteHave you found your dogs are terrified of thunderstorms? I have assumed they had been exposed to severe thunderstorms in the south.
Kate, first I don't most of these dogs ever lived in a house and second lots of one-story ranches:)
DeleteElla and Magnolia are fine with them, but sweet Louise is TERRIFIED of thunderstorms. She knows well in advance that one is coming. She paces and shakes. It breaks our hearts knowing that for a year and a half she lived outside in Baton Rouge (Denham Springs) which has thunderstorms ALL the time. I can't even imagine how scary, wet and cold that was for her.
Same here! Bailey knows they're coming. From the little we know of her history, we know they were inside dogs at first and then put outside. I'm sure she had to endure terrible thunderstorms in Memphis. Poor sweetie. Now she squeezes all 80+ lbs. of herself into a 3' x 1" corner behind a nightstand when there's a thunderstorm. So sad.
DeleteBut our dogs have good homes now!
What a wonderful post Joan. Amazing how Nanny knew that was her family, and the joy she brought to the children. A very happy ending indeed.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Lillian xx
thank you Lillian!
DeleteMy wish is that every state have legislation and laws that are enforced with huge fines for puppy mills .
ReplyDeleteAnd as in other things, sadly, when something is free, too many people have less care for it. Free is good but there need to be strings attached to protect the dogs.
I was looking forward to this move South, a puppy!!
Wouldn't you know I am in a No Dogs condo!!!
That's ok, it is only for a year:)
Time to get the cats used to the idea.
I agree Candice. There is such a huge force of dog/animal rescue people in the south I wish everyone could band together and stop the problem at the beginning through legislation.
DeleteHope you are liking Florida! xxo
I am totally liking Florida :) so are the cats. That thing called a 'Lanai' has brought peace and harmony to my little threesome.
DeleteHi Joan: another beautiful story. I am still wanting another dog (mine passed away a few years ago), and I want to adopt. My husband is saying to go do it. Our problem is we have no one to watch the dog here in Vermont if we travel, which we don't do often, two or three weeks per year. I was always afraid to board them when gone, but I guess I need to reconsider that. I haven't read these stories yet, but I will go back and do it now. I had no idea the problem was so bad in the south. Makes me not want to move or live there. We are both animal lovers, and I can't imagine how someone can do the things they do. Bev
ReplyDeletehi Bev! There are many people who will come pet sit in your house or come to your house to tend to the dog(s). There is a pet daycare place here which also boards and a person literally sleeps on a bed with some of the dogs (the dogs are free to chose where they want to sleep.) I find a good way to find someone is to ask at the vets office or ask neighbors who have dogs! You know I hope you will adopt a dog:) The dog would be so lucky to have you for his/her mama!!! xxo
DeleteI always used pet sitters, Pup was totally in love with the girl that we had. When we lived in Argentina, we had no sitter but it didn't seem to matter there ..
DeleteWhat a wonderful story, Nanny looks so happy to be home. Oh those sad brown eyes! We must stop puppy mills, and if possible donate to shelters to spay/neuter dogs up for adoption.
ReplyDeleteI agree Mary. Most states have mandatory statutes that require the sterilization of pound or shelter animals prior to being released for adoption. Shelters and rescue groups are always in need of monetary assistance. I find it is a wonderful cause.
DeleteJoan, love love this story, bitter sweet,
ReplyDeleteNanny is soooo Precious!!!! I wish I could
take each everyone, Bless there hearts!!!
I am soooooo in Love with Callista, she
is Beautifullll!!!
Thank you, for this awesome post, ya Blog
is Simply The Best!!!
Those sisters, ste Precious, Pawdorable
Tank n Tanner send kissaroos n bear hugs!!!
I ADORE little Calista and can't believe she hasn't been snatched up!!!
DeleteLISA!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am doing the happy dance!!!! For once I am SO happy to have it all be my fault!!! ;):) I love the name Birdie!!!! And that she is a mini me of your beloved Spottie makes me know that she played a part in you finding Birdie. Just like Amelia sent us the two perfect girls for Ella and us. So many crazy, uncanny coincidences that happen all the time, and we'll say "Thank you Amelia!!" Congratulations to you, your family and sweet Birdie! So happy for all of you. Thank you for letting me know! I just received an email from Tery who because of the post on Amelia promised herself that the next time she got a dog she would adopt and not shop. Just two weeks ago she adopted the cutest little dog named Sullivan! Y'all have both made me so happy!!! xxojoan
Thank you Joan from the bottom of our hearts. Lytle Animal Care and Control is a City shelter for the strays. They had euthanasia rates over 290 just a few years ago. Last year only 28 were euthanized and none for space. Our shelter is run on donations, fund raisers and adoption fees. This is where we get the money for the medical fund. We have done more FHO surgeries, heartworm treatments in the history of our shelter. Thank you goes to Rescue Road Trips and WONDERFUL East Coast Adopters. We also thank all volunteers and fosters. We couldn't do it without you. Joan and Fortheloveofahouse have been super instrumental in getting the word out. We have had lots more interest with her blogs. We had two dogs get adopted since she started helping that had been with us for 1 entire year. Thank you Joan and welcome to the Lytle VILLAGE!@
ReplyDeleteAlice, Thank you for your comment. I am honored to be a part of the Lytle Village, thank you. And thank you for everything you do. It is wonderful that Lytle has an amazing director, A.C.O.s, volunteers and fosters, and I know for a fact that "you" were the person who changed the numbers from 290 to only 28, with none for space, by bringing your experience and knowledge to the small town of Lytle to start adopting dogs to the east coast. To think of all the precious souls you have saved and the families that you have brought joy.... well, there is a very special place in heaven for you and your husband. With much respect and gratitude, joan
DeleteHi All! Nanny is adjusting well. She is such a love. She is now coming pretty readily when called. She learned to sit on command just yesterday, but she's still a little reluctant. She seemed very afraid of having her hindquarters touched to show her how to sit -- again, flinching and shying -- so I've leaned to crouch down and gently touch her rear hock from below, never from above. Now she's getting it without being afraid. Until yesterday, I really hadn't done to much training besides asking her to "come" and praising and giving her a treat. She just seemed too overwhelmed to ask more than that until the last day or so. She hasn't had any accidents in two days. And she LOVES to go for a walk/run. One day we did 1.5 miles, and yesterday we did 2 miles (these were slow jogs), and she was a champ! Caught on very quickly that sniffing around was not a part of a run, and seemed to like her "job." She seems to be much more relaxed and at home now. She follows us (well, me mostly) around and wags her tail lots -- especially when Rob and the boys come home! She's taken to laying under our table at meal time, probably both because it feels cocoon-like, and my boys drop LOTS of crumbs.
ReplyDeleteLee (3) and I had a big pettingfest with her this afternoon after he got up from his nap. He just adores her and her cold, wet-nosed kisses and sniffing all over his ears. She laid down for the first time and stretched out her belly to be scratched, and we obliged mightily!
I sometimes feel like Dora is looking at me through Nanny's eyes ;) She is so sweet and gentle, yet we've seen a couple of playful, romping moments from her now -- they came out of the blue and were a huge surprise!
So great to hear how Nanny is doing Amy, thank you for letting us know. Love that she is so good with your sweet boys!
DeleteJoan, YOU are an angel. I've been a regular reader for years and though I first fell in love with your house and you became such an inspiration to me as we've brought our 1894 farmhouse back to life, these wonderful dog stories have made me love the kind person that you are and that transcends your wonderful sense of style.
ReplyDeleteWe adopted Henry, our border collie mix, from our local shelter 4 years ago and he came to us with distemper. I fed him a tablespoonful of chicken and rice around the clock, gave him droppers full of water and slept by his bed for two weeks while he recovered after the vet said he would likely die. He is now happy, healthy and a wonderful brother to 13 year old Lily and 18 month old Angus.
Although I cannot take on another dog, I can write a check to help. Thank you for shining a light on this wonderful program, it fills my heart to see your dedication to such a worthy cause.
Debi!!! That is SO wonderful! Thank you, thank you for writing a check to help them. That means the world, thank you!
DeleteSo happy that Henry survived with your loving care. You're a good mama. Kisses to Henry, Lily and Angus (love all their names!) xxo
I'm a friendly lurker. Your adoptees melted my heart and over time I've felt lead to expand our family. Particularly looking for a black dog to give a forever home. Elton has stolen my heart. I've contacted Alice. Cross your fingers for us!
ReplyDeleteOH Teresa!!!!! Elton is such a love and a gem! Fingers (and toes;) are crossed!!! Please let me know!
DeleteSuch a great story! As a current Texan (San Antonio) it saddens me to see the amount of stray dogs and local culture towards dogs. We've strived to become a no kill city but I know that so many dogs are still put down because resources are tight and owners are ignorant. I've had a dog for nearly 14 years and had convinced myself that I was taking a break once he goes. God had other plans. My fiancé rescued a black 13 lb terrier mix from nearly getting on the highway 2 months ago. We got her ready to find her a new home (vaccines, eliminated stomach parasites, groomed, etc) but after talking to a few potential owners, we became too protective. So Molly is here to stay!
ReplyDeleteSending you much love! It's funny how the rescue world just sucks you in, isn't it. :) So many dogs need homes...temporary and forever. You are a great advocate! <3
ReplyDeleteI am weeping! These photos say it all. How incredible that this connection came about from your beautiful blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat a happy ending for Nanny! Thanks for spreading the word about rescues...and the shout-out to Greg and Rescue Road Trips.
ReplyDelete