It takes a village to save a dog
Norah – Isn’t she cute?
I’m a little tired tonight, but for a very good reason. I spent the majority of my Sunday picking up and transporting a beautiful Sheltie-mix from Minneapolis to Hinckley, Minnesota. Her name is Norah.
Norah came from a shelter in eastern Ohio where she was listed as a stray. She was facing certain death until a friend made the plea to save her life. I posted her picture on Facebook as did my friend, from there the effort took on a life of its own.
It’s amazing how everything came together to bring Norah and several other dogs to Minnesota. It never would have happened if not for The Way Home Alliance volunteers who did the pulling, vetting, and arranging to get her and other dogs out of the shelter, the numerous volunteers who offered to transport and house them along the way, Midwest Animal Rescue who helped arrange part of Norah’s journey, and Last Hope Collies who offered to help her find a new home. You know, it really does take a village to save a dog.
Despite the long journey (12 legs), Norah managed to be sweet, loveable and affectionate. She even rolled over several times so she could get a belly rub!(My personal thanks to Dawn, Lady’s former foster mom, who helped me so much during the transfer!)
Even though this was my first time, I would consider doing it again. It was a rewarding experience. My thanks to Gail and Estelle, who got the ball rolling, and to Ellen, who gave Norah a safe place to land.
Whoever gets this beautiful girl will be very lucky. She is a wonderful little dog.
Can’t foster a rescue dog? How about offering to transport one to a new home?
Yay! Finally in Minneapolis!
Waiting to be loaded up for the journey to Hinckley, MN.
On my way home I stopped at a gas station for a bathroom break. This is what was on the ground next to my car when I came back out. It was not there when I went inside. A gift from Norah?
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Mel, it is great that you helped that girl on her way to a new life! Hope to see you do some more transporting!
Thanks Carole! I think any transporting I do will be dependent on time and need. I like the idea of transporting new dogs to their homes too.
It is very rewarding. Just think how happy Norah is today! Like you said, if you can’t foster how about transporting? There is such a huge need in that area.
Sleep well. You’ve done a wonderful thing today!
Thank you! I am just glad Norah was saved. She is such a nice dog deserves to be in a loving home.
You did a wonderful deed there Mel, sometimes WE wish we had the time to help out like that. We do our best with the neighboring dogs, which does help. but your help I can see is more satisfying.
Alex and Penny
I think everyone doing some small part makes a difference Alex. You are helping in great ways too!
I don’t know when I will have the opportunity to help out in such a way again, but the experience was satisfying.
This story made me so happy- congrats for helping to give Norah a happy ending! Sometimes I hear so many sad stories I can’t take it anymore and it feels so good to hear about people coming together like this and making something good happen. Thanks for helping and for sharing!
I am so glad to hear that this all worked out Mel! I wish I could of helped somehow here, but my contacts are limited in this area right now. I have transported for Newf rescue once. It was a great and rewarding feeling! I can’t believe how nervous I was to do it!
What a great story! Thank you from all of us dog lovers for helping to save such a beautiful dog. She will make a wonderful addition to her new family.
Absolutely awesome.
There is a place in heaven for those of you who transport dogs to happy homes.
Storms last night. I think Norah may be a Thunder Shirt candidate!
Oh no! Poor peanut! I heard storms were coming your way. So sorry she was so scared. My Daisy is the same way.
Thanks for taking care of her Ellen!
Love that floopy ear
Norah is a lovely girl. i hope she finds a forever home soon.
Well-known dog writer Jon Katz has questioned highly orchestrated dog transports. He wonders why such massive efforts aren’t undertaken to help humans.
But your post shares the answer. People are harder to help. You can’t just pick someone up from their home, decide they’ll have more opportunities elsewhere, and have them express thanks to you for changing their whole lives.
Dogs trust us. And because of their simple trust, this kind of effort can be very effective.
I’m glad your heart was open to help when you already do so many other things. Hope you can get some rest now.
She really is adorable – such a sweet face! What a lucky girl to have so many people step up to help her!! Thanks for sharing
OMD, she’s so cute! What a lovely story of folks coming together to help her.
It is so rewarding helping transport dogs to their forever homes, you should give yourself a nice pat on the back!
Very good story…another dog saved!
Thanks BJ! I agree!
We are the lucky people who have adopted Norah! She is safe, sound and on her way to being thoroughly spoiled in Northern Wisconsin. Her name is Sandy now and she responds happily to her new name. We promise to love her and care for her for the rest of her life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to all of the volunteers who helped bring her to us.
Yay! Thank you so much for adopting Sandy Bill and Lori!
I am so glad she is heading your way and is going to have a wonderful life. She was the most affectionate little girl. I was so impressed at how friendly and happy she was after the long journey to MN. Thank you for giving her a new life. You totally made my day.