So a couple of the fine folks from my favorite no kill shelter, the Animal Protection League, came by yesterday to check out the Scout situation. Scout was very friendly with both of them and that was my first time seeing her with strangers so that was good. They managed to catch 4 of the 7 puppies and take them back to the shelter. The remaining 3 found a safe spot inside a drain and went into we’re-not-moving-an-inch-we-don’t-care-what-you-do mode. So the gals from APL will be coming back to catch those 3 sometime soon.
The puppies screamed as they were caught but then settled down pretty well. Seeing them up close for the first time, they were not so big as I had judged from a distance. I would guess they’re about 5 or 6 weeks old. They are all cute as little buttons. (I’m sorry I didn’t think to take pictures!)
I wanted to make special mention of Kristine and Sonya’s efforts in catching these pups, lest anyone think they just put out a crate, gave a little whistle and the puppies came running. No ma’am. The gals were out in the SC August heat for a good while, scrambling in and out of ditches, laying on their bellies in the mud, and sticking their arms into dark places where who knows what might be lurking. And this was their day off! When they left, instead of saying “Well we’re never doing that again!” (probably what I’d be saying), they were already coming up with a game plan for the return visit. These gals are my heroes.
Later in the day, Billy and I were sitting on the porch with Scout and she seemed depressed to us. Maybe she was just tired from all the excitement of the day but in case she was feeling down, I reassured her that her pups were in good hands. I told her that only people who really loved dogs would go through so much effort to rescue the pups from someone’s discarded dog. She seemed cheerier by the time evening came around.
I can’t tell you what a relief it is to know at least 4 of the pups are safe now. As soon as the other 3 get caught, I won’t have to leave Scout loose anymore to feed them and that will be another huge worry off my mind.
If you’d like to donate to help APL care for Scout’s pups, or just to fund their good deed doings, here is their info:
Animal Protection League
P.O. Box 5354
Columbia, SC 29250
Paypal donations can be made via the button on the right hand side of this page.
Thank you APL!