This is Ellie who was recently adopted
from the shelter. Ellie was one of the
four "Antelope Valley" dogs remaining
at the shelter.
Who are the "Antelope Valley" dogs?
Well, at the beginning of the year, the
shelter became involved in helping a man
living in Antelope Valley who had started with a couple of
dogs, but then had about 28 at best guess. A few of the dogs
were comfortable with people, but most of them had pretty
much kept their distance. The shelter managed to capture
most of the dogs on leashes and bring them into the shelter
for rehab and adoption. But four of the dogs were virtually
feral and they had to be trapped.
That's what was done and in mid-February, Ellie, Jamie,
Tammy, and Heather arrived at the shelter. For months
all that could be done for these terrified animals was to
sit outside their kennels reading or talking softly to them
and very slowly getting them to accept treats, and then
petting, and a leash, and a walk, and so on. Once we managed
to get them out of their kennels, they had to be familiarized
with the domestic world. There was very little they weren't
afraid of. Walking on a tiled floor was terrifying, as was their
reaction to so many common, every day activities: turning
on a water faucet, opening the fridge door, flushing the toilet,
sounds from the TV.
But the months passed and these wonderful dogs flourished.
They finally reached the point where they would ride in a car,
so they could be taken to the vet for spaying. And then, at last,
available for adoption. Ellie was first, followed by Jamie.
Heather and Tammy aren't quite ready yet, but will be soon.
So what has this got to do with a lost dog? Well, Ellie was
adopted into a wonderful home—a DAWG-member family.
She was doing very well, but early one morning discovered
a window open far enough for her to slip out. A quick search
did not find her, so DAWG was called into action. DAWG
members living in the immediate area acted first, and the
search was on.
From the title, you know how this turned out. Judy L, a
long-time DAWG member and volunteer at the shelter who
had worked with the Antelope Valley dogs from the beginning,
was searching the streets when she saw the familiar face
strolling along. She stopped her car and got out and gave
a call to Ellie. Ellie, happy to see a familiar face, came right
over, a smile on her face and tail wagging.
So Ellie has been reunited with her family who are so very,
very happy. Just how cool is that!
P.S. The man who had the dogs originally was not left
alone. He kept three dogs who have now been spayed
and neutered.
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