I have said before, and I believe it even more now.  A dog finds you. Sometimes the best dogs are the ones that find us, when you least expect it, or at the worst time, enters a new dog…..

I just posted a blog that day, about how Stiggy’s Dogs was slowing down. There were many things I needed to change and set into place to successfully enter the New Year.  Then I received an email about a German Shepherd Dog that needed a home……..Animal Control……..Know nothing about her…….sweet girl…….time running out……Friday…..

I do not know why this caught my attention, or what made me answer the call from an unknown number. This Animal Control Officer (name not mentioned for discretion) was a not only a former Marine but a Marine Dog Handler! He told me she was a sweet Shepherd, and heard about our organization. He had circumvented the system to try to find her a home, however, he can’t wait any longer. He was full, 2 dogs to a cage. He was closing at 1:00 and asked if I could come get her. It was 12:45.

Logistically I could not make it in time. Before I knew it I was asking him if there was anything we could do? I had until 3:00.   All of a sudden, this German Shepherd dogs life literally hung in my hands. I will be there, I told him.

In a furry of a hour, I had found a temporary Foster home (Jennifer Heggan), talked it over with my husband (who was in full support), and literally grabbed a leash and collar as I ran out the door.  My thoughts were racing all the way there. Animal Control is different than a Humane Society, for example: these dogs are not looked at by a Veterinarian. I had no idea what I was getting into….. was she healthy? Could she give my dogs something? Was she spayed? In heat? Would she get car sick? What Veterinarian can I get her immediately into?…..

I pulled up at 2:50. Palms sweating and anxious. Mr. Animal Control Officer opened the door and lead me in to see her. The place was small, and very over crowded. The barking was fierce, set off by one, then joined by all.  Different barks; loud, full of fear and stress. German Shepherd girl was in a small cage (by herself thank goodness) but her cage was on top of another cage. Below her was side by side dogs, that were foaming at the mouth, they were very ‘red zoned’.  As soon as he opened her cage, she gracefully jumped down, not minding the two dogs below, and ran directly to go out side.  She was skinny, I immediately hoped she wasn’t worm infected, heart worm or ring worm. (Common in stray dogs).  She seemed nervous and anxious, which in that environment was understandable. All I wanted to do was grab her and drive away as fast as I could. We were all smiling as I pulled away, Mr. Animal Control Officer, Ms. German Shepherd and myself.

The ride home was interesting, she was a little anxious, pacing back and forth, winning a little. I pulled over to take a moment: my heart was still racing,  and tears were forming in my eyes. At that moment I realized, I saved a life. She was handed to me out the back door minutes before her time was up……I looked in the back at the big brown eyes staring directly into mine.  She was special, I could feel it.

It was a very cold day, but we rode with the windows down. Not because all dogs love to hang their noses out the windows, but because I needed the fresh air! She was one stinky German Shepherd.  Sweet and Stinky, my first nickname for her……