Page 62 - July ONLINE VERSION

How You
Transporting Kindness: Within twenty-five hours, pups were delivered to Vir- Can Help Every
ginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Con-

26 Dogs, 6 States, necticut. There were six different pick-up locations. Adventure
The families were joyous upon meeting their new furry
members.
and 25 Hours Connecticut was

the last stop, and 1. Adopt a pet
the duo made If you’ve been thinking that it’s time to add a pet to your

It's finally Friday! It's been a long week. It's 3 o'clock, It took significant teamwork. Kim retrieved the van it to the hotel family, consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue
and that means only two hours to go before sweet free- from Nashville, drove back to Jackson, picked up by 4 p.m. on group.
dom. At this very moment, there is a large white van puppies from fosters along the way, and packed all they Saturday, March
being prepped for some thirty-odd passengers to head needed to make sure they were ready to get these boys 27, 2021, where 2. Donate
out on the open road. Forty-three hours of driving lat- and girls to their forever homes. The Callison's head- they showered, Every animal shelter and rescue organization has bills to
er, the white van returns, carrying only two passengers. ed out of Jackson with a van full at 3 p.m. on Friday, ate, and crashed. pay and your generous monetary donation will be grate-
March 26, 2021. There were two humans and twen- The white van fully accepted. Donations may be used to help cover the
Perhaps I should start at the beginning; before you ty-six dogs. pulled back into costs of daily operations, supplies, staff training, animal
think a magazine about kindness has turned dark and Jackson, Tennes- housing upgrades, community outreach programs, animal
twisty. Animal transport is a big deal in West Tennes- In the mix of twen- see, late Mon- enrichment and much more.
see. There are a lot of people that volunteer to ensure ty-six, there was one day evening on
that abandoned, abused, and neglected animals find that was blind due March 29, 2021 3. Volunteer
their way to a Forever Home. I have volunteered to to an ocular disease, with just human Even if you can’t adopt a pet just now, you can help make
transport puppies across county lines. It is how I saved an elderly dog with a passengers, to- life better for animals in your community by volunteering
three pups – one is my very own sweet Sophie. skin condition that left taling almost 45 with your local shelter or rescue organization.
permanent damage, an hours of driving
Enter our puppy heroes: Kim Mozena Rezac, President adopted dog dumped time. 4. Say thanks
and Founder of Goofy Foot Dog Rescue, and Sidney on a highway that they Take a minute to express your gratitude to the people who
and Caleb Callison, who volunteered for the journey. picked up, and two When I heard work at your local shelter or rescue groups. Give them a
The pup's original ride broke down. Without thumbs, litters of puppies. One about this epic shout-out on social media, drop off lunch or cookies for
they couldn't just hitchhike. When Sidney found about set was with owners transport, I knew I had to share their story. Kindness is the staff and/or mention to municipal leadership what a
this dilemma, she called her husband and asked a ques- that did not know how an action that is expressed in a variety of ways. Hu- value they bring to your community.
tion she knew the answer to, "Hey, wanna give some to care for mom, much mans use words to say, "Thank you." However, I believe
pups a lift?" “Let's do it, why not!" less her litter. The litter these pups used what they have to express gratitude – 5. Become a fan
of puppies was rescued by Ashley O'Donnell, who slobbery kisses, cuddles, big smiles, and of course, the Like and follow your local animal shelters and rescue
fought hard for their rescue. The second set had been happy wagging of their tails. groups on Facebook, then invite your friends and family
fostered by women in jail who bottle fed the tiny pups. to like and follow them too.
On the road of rescue, there are lots of transport
It was an arduous trip, but with such a rewarding end. stations. I'm grateful for the kindness, the unpaid 6. Make wishes come true
There were natural antics along the way, including lack volunteers, and unsung heroes of these precious souls. Shelters and rescue groups always need towels, toys and
of sleep and an endless stream of "clean up on aisle 9.” Without a doubt, it is the efforts of these two individ- other supplies. Check their websites for wishlists; if they
However, during each stop–the humans’ hearts grew uals and countless don’t have one, call them to find out what's in short supply
larger and larger as each pup was delivered to their more, that dogs like and offer to create an online wishlist for them.
forever homes. The number of people involved in each the one you might be
of these dog's stories is innumerable. Sidney and Caleb cuddled up with right 7. Become a foster
were so grateful to have been a part of their journey - now, have found their The value of fosters can't be overrated. They can be lifesav-
physically and emotionally. They are the reason these way to you. ers for pets who can't adapt to shelter life, those who need
dogs are going to live their best lives. to be nursed back to health and orphaned kittens who
need someone to step in for their mom (or whose needs
are beyond what busy shelter staff can often provide).

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