Siberian Husky Puppies in Desperate Need of Rescue Part Two

Twin Pups in Desperate Need of Rescue
-by Janet Yeager

Part two: June 25, 2005-the incredible journey

The prospect of transporting these two puppies 1,100 miles from California to Kettle Falls Washington was daunting. Knowing that this would be the only chance for these dogs fueled our determination. One of our first thoughts was to fly the dogs. This plan was abandoned when we learned the airlines would not allow the two dogs to travel in the same crate. The dogs were so bonded to each other that separating them would have been too traumatic.

Alan Doyle, of North Bay SHRRCA rescue sent out an e-mail plea to several rescue lists for transport help for June 25. Many people came forward to volunteer a leg of this transport. Unfortunately we had gaps in the relay that could not be filled. At our lowest point we decided to abandon the hope of transporting on the 25-26th and try again for the next weekend. Suddenly some new people stepped forward and it looked like we would be able to make everything work for the 25th.

Thanks to Contra Costa Animal Services agreeing to open early, Alan planned a departure at about 8:00 for the first leg of the transport. Alan had completed the paper work the day before, but the task of getting these shy puppies ready to leave took longer than expected. The transport crate was brought into the kennel area, the dogs were then vaccinated, and allowed to scramble into the crate to hide. The crate was then carted back to the truck. The entire process took about 90 minutes. Finally they were ready to begin the first part of their long journey.

Alan drove them to Medford Oregon where Sue, a member of Alaskan Malamute Oregon Rescue, took over the next leg of the shuttle. She drove the dogs to Salem where they met rescue volunteer Mary Arnold.

The previous day Mary had driven to Salem where she waited in a motel room for the dogs to arrive. They reached her about 7: 00 P.M. and she started out for Spokane. My husband Jay and I left home at 10:00 pm for the long ride to meet Mary. We met in Spokane at 1:30 am. After a few minutes to introduce ourselves to Mary and take a peak at the puppies in the crate we started the trip back to Kettle Falls. We arrived home at about 4:00 am. It was such a relief to finally have them here.

We were not about to take any chances on them escaping so we carried the heavy crate with the girls inside to the secure play yard before opening the crate door. They came out of the crate immediately and hovered together in a corner for a few minutes. We were pleased to see how pretty they both were.

Early morning e-mails that the pups had arrived were quickly sent out to every one involved. We then went back to watching them from a window as they got acquainted with their new surroundings. They seemed eager to explore and a couple of hours later enjoyed every bit of their breakfast.

Alan’s dedication and love for this breed earned my admiration many years so I was once again awed but not surprised at the extreme effort he was willing to put forth. Alan worked with the shelter staff, put the word out and took the first long leg of the long journey. Without Alan these puppies might not have had the chance to live the life they deserve. Contra Costa Animal Services Division staff, and particularly Lt. Nancy Anderson, manager of the Martinez facility, should get huge applause. Without their cooperation we never could have saved the girls. Also, a big thank you to Lisa Rook and Sandy Stewart, SHRRCA North Bay Group members, who also worked with staff. We really appreciated Sue from Alaskan Malamute Oregon Rescue who took a critical leg of this transport. I am just amazed that Mary Arnold, whom I had never met, was willing to spend two nights in motels and hours of driving to help save these dog. We were all exhausted, but the satisfaction of working with old friends, making new ones and successfully getting these dog transported made everything worthwhile.

Transports are never easy to arrange. Especially one involving such a long distance. Offering to help with transport can be a wonderful way for people who can’t foster to help dogs in need.

We are hopeful that the puppies will learn to trust people and one day be ready for adoption by a loving family. Check the next installment of this series to see how they settle in to their new home.