I am making a 160 mile round trip on Saturday 13th September to take some
dogs from a kill shelter that are facing guaranteed death on Monday.
From these desperate, loving, sweet, healthy, deserving and innocent dogs at
LEVY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER ... Owner/Trainer Horses in Harmony
Above: The inspiration behind our fight to save the dogs at Levy County Animal Shelter. Little Beau, our lab x border collie rescue dog! This little dog is the sunshine in our lives. The happiest, most loving, gentle, sweet, intelligent and eternally GRATEFUL chap we could ever wish to have. He truly lights up our lives. He was hours from euthanization.
Below is a photo of our two rescue dogs who faced certain death Bella in front, and Beau behind!
along with Yves Belanger President Gibson Truck World - The King Of Trucks
DOGS SCHEDULED TO DIE ON MONDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2008 AT 07:30AM.... I ONLY HAVE ROOM TO TAKE 5 DOGS HOME .... PLEASE CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY TO SAVE A LIFE!
DEVON'S UPDATE: Ooops! Memo to self ... do not carry out rescue operations with adult supervision!! (smile). I went to pick my 5 lucky dogs, and then I made the fatal error. I looked back over my shoulder at the despondent faces I was walking away from. The eyes stared helplessly back at me, knowing that I was the last chance .. and I was walking away and leaving them to die. Each little face belonging to a loving, unique, charismatic and DESERVING little dog ... who was facing death solely to the ignorance of us humans. How could I walk away. I turned around to my angels on earth, the two incredible women at Levy County Animal Shelter who give all that they have to find homes and save lives. Arnette and Jody are the silent heroes of Levy County. I told them "as many of these "kids" that can fit in my four horse trailer and in my F550 Gibson Truck .. come home with me" That was a WHOPPING 14 Dogs! But more kudos to Gary D. Cline, Manager, Horses in Harmony .. who accepted each and every one of these 14 precious souls .. with open arms. His wife, Doreen, selflessly feeds, water, walks and spoils every last one of these gorgeous dogs as we wait for their new family to come and take them home!
Every single one of the babies listed below is waiting for a home (unless otherwise stated).
FOR LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER AND VACCINATIONS - PLEASE VISIT! http://www.ohs-spca.org/spay_neuter.htm NEW ON 24 SEPTEMBER 2008
There is a situation where a woman who is working on a
construction site near Ocala, took in 2 Black Lab boys that are approx. 8-10
months old. They are beautiful boys, but they were dumped and left to fend for
lives. This woman will soon be leaving this site and going to the Carolina's for
her next job. We are trying to keep these guys from going to a kill shelter. Lab
Rescue is full right now and unable to take them.
MADDY - ADOPTED
FOR VIDEO OF MADDY ... CLICK "HERE"
Maddy is the Energizer Bunny! She is very similar to little Buster. A fun, playful and eternally optimistic little girl .. and when you see the word "terrier", you know that is a smart, playful and energetic dynamo. An adorable little girl with a tail that won't quit wagging! She is just so excited to see people and she loves to shower you with affectionate. Like Buster, this babydoll will do great with somebody who enjoys an active lifestyle .. she will keep up!! (smile) -- this girl is happy, happy, HAPPY! She knows she was rescued and is so grateful .... now we are just waiting for her perfect, FOREVER home to come and pick her up. Preference is given to an adoptive family or person with a safe, fenced in yard where she can play to her heart's content! This young girl DESERVES so much - please come take her home!
Maddy needs to be spayed IMMEDIATELY. She has micro-chip, rabies, parvo and bordatello. She requires the remainder of his vaccination program.
Email me if you are interested in MADDY! Click HERE
*** I do not check my email during the day - if you want to see Maddy TODAY, please call Devon at 321.377.7682 or Gary at 305.336.0812 to arrange an immediate viewing! ***
TATER - Adopted!
Left: Tater, Black Saddle Catahoula x Hound, Large, Adult, Male ... ADOPTED! Congratulations to Teresa and her beautiful daughter! What a gorgeous family you make! Look at Tater's face - just so proud and happy. He has a family of his own, at last! And not just ANY family, but people who will love him and spoil him endlessly. This is one of the happiest endings ever ... Tater was losing hope that nobody would want him .. and Teresa had left me a message that stated she was not looking to "meet" Tater .. she was coming to ADOPT him! I told Tater his new Mom was coming out and I KNOW that boy understood what I was saying. He stopped crying and actually had an expression of "really? a family of my own?". Thank you SO much for pulling through for the very special Tater! It means the world to us, but more importantly, to Tater. I know he will be so grateful every day of his life! Devon FOR VIDEO OF TATER ... CLICK "HERE"
Tater is AWESOME. A great, loyal companion .. a goofball, a best friend, a guard dog and so sweet he is fattening!! (smile). It turns out that Mr. Tater Head here is VERY WELL TRAINED ON THE LEASH! He is a bigger dog, but boy oh boy, he is fantastic. He is so quiet and well behaved. He walks to heel on the leash, he sits when the handler stops walking. He is attentive and loves to play, but not over-boisterous. This is your ready made dog ... he is the best! Would do great with a family! I think our video will say more than words .... this boy is handsome on the outside and beautiful on the inside .... If you wait to long to adopt this guy, you are missing out on one of the nicest dogs I have seen for a very long time! I just cannot say enough great things about this awesome dog!!
Marcus needs to be neutered IMMEDIATELY. He has micro-chip, rabies, parvo and bordatello. He requires the remainder of his vaccination program.
Email me if you are interested in TATER! Click HERE
*** I do not check my email during the day - if you want to see Tater TODAY, please call Devon at 321.377.7682 or Gary at 305.336.0812 to arrange an immediate viewing! ***
SPIRIT - Adopted!
Above: SPIRIT - HUSKY MIX, LARGE, YOUNG, FEMALE .. Adopted What a strikingly beautiful pair they make! Congratulations to both of you (Spirit and Brittany L. of Orlando, Florida) - we truly wish you so much happiness together and hope that you will keep us updated! We love pictures and stories on the kids that have passed through Horses in Harmony! I know Brittany was determined to have this incredible husky for her own - and that determination paid off! We actually had a good ten calls on Spirit on the day you adopted her .. as a believer in fate, I know it was meant to be! Have fun with her, Brittany ... Take care, Devon! Keep in touch if you have time :-)
Spirit is about one year old. She is a GORGEOUS looking husky with a beautiful white coat and bright blue eyes. She is still full of puppy playfulness. She was temporarily placed into a loving home with another husky. Spirit got on brilliantly well with all the human members of the family (adults all the way down to toddlers!), she adored the other husky puppy, too! However, much to the family's dismay - Spirit is not being accepted by their two older dogs. The family are heart-broken, but they are having to return Spirit to us on Monday 22 September 2008. This dog is jaw-droppingly beautiful, she needs lots of play time or exercise! She loves other dogs and adores kids. She will steal your heart. Please contact us immediately if you are interested in adopting or fostering his beautiful dog!
Spirit needs to be spayed IMMEDIATELY. She has micro-chip, rabies, parvo and bordatello. She requires the remainder of her vaccination program.
Email me if you are interested in SPIRIT! Click HERE
*** I do not check my email during the day - if you want to see Spirit TODAY, please call Devon at 321.377.7682 or Gary at 305.336.0812 to arrange an immediate viewing! ***
CONNOR - Adopted Renamed: "Bailey"
Above: He loves his bones (which is better than shoes, furniture and fingers!!!) Above: Happy to share bones and hang with the cat!
Above: Striking colors - he matches our decor (lol lol) Above: Honey, I think we need a new couch ... there is no room left!!!
Above: Connor, Labrador x American Bulldog Cross, Medium, Baby (13 weeks), Male ... Well, as Arnette from Levy County Animal Services laughingly informed us, Yves and I have failed Rescue 101 .. we took Connor home to care for him and we fell in love with him. Connor will be staying with me and my extremely patient (!!!!) husband, Yves Belanger! Little Connor will be a regular feature at Horses in Harmony and Gibson Truck World, along with Bella and Beau! Connor is doing fabulous for a tiny pup, he has not yet had any bathroom accidents in the house, he loves the cat, he plays well with the adult dogs, he shares his food and bones ... and the funniest of all, if I put the leash on Connor -- my other dog, Beau, will take the leash in his mouth and take Connor for a walk! I promise to try and video it, it is VERY funny!
FOR VIDEO OF CONNOR .... CLICK "HERE"
VIDEO # 2 - Connor at play with the other rescue puppies -- Mason and Venus! Remember how shy and anxious this 12 week old pup was in the video taken only a few days before this one .... erm, I am happy to announce he is "SO OVER THAT"!! lol .... He is ALL puppy, now!! This is Day 4 of their happy days at Harmony, hanging out and waiting for their new family to come and get them. They spent the entire day in HUGE 12' x 24' clean stable, with fresh shavings to romp around in, a fan too keep them cool, the radio on, plenty of food, water, cookies (chocolate chip dog cookies, if you please!!) and rawhide bones. They had a blast, and should sleep well and have happy dreams. The kill shelter memories should fade fast for these adorable young dogs!
ENJOY ... Click "HERE" for "PUPPIES AT PLAY" video!
Here we go, people ... a 3 1/2 month old, adorable puppy who is not even old enough to get into trouble, starting and ending his young life in a kill shelter. SPAY AND NEUTER .. I cannot say it enough! This is so very wrong, the most adorable, beautiful, helpless baby who is still so young he just needs to be held and loved. How heart-wrenching is it when a young pup who should be boisterous, full of life, zest and mischief, freezes when you approach him, and cowers down in fear? This little boy breaks my heart the most .... I want him to be silly, I want him to be a puppy ... who knows what happened to him, or what his only memories are. I cannot share much about his personality as he is just a tiny puppy - but as the video shows you .. he is far too quiet and fearful for a baby his age. I will only consider a very experienced, loving, PERMANENT home for Connor .. one where he will get the patient, caring, gentle and nuturing environment he needs .. and one that guarantees a safe, fenced in yard and lots of exercise for this growing pup. I would rather keep him then to let him go to a home that is less than outstanding. He has had such a rough start ... I only want the best for him from this point forward. If you are a true dog lover, then you will understand my stance on this one :-) For those of you who have all the love in the world to give, a safe, fenced in yard and lots of time to dedicate to him ... in addition to understanding that it is our desire that he be an "inside" dog (as is our wish for all of the kids we have rescued) .. then I would LOVE to hear from you! Little baby Connor will require neutering, the rest of his puppy vaccinations and most likely, more puppy worming.
UPDATE: On September 16, I took Connor to the vet to get him wormed, have an examination and also put him on a course of anti-biotics for a little infection that was brewing! The vet said that Connor was a very healthy little puppy, weighing in at 19.7lbs. He will be due his second set of puppy shots around 7 October 2008. I also gave Connor Heartworm and Frontline on 9/16/08. He is most definitely not the timid little pup you see in Video # 1 .. he is ALL puppy! Hooray! With the bundle of puppy energy comes the puppy behavior, too .... it was amazing how fast that fear and shyness disappeared once he was in a loving and more peaceful environment.
Email me if you are interested in CONNOR! Click HERE
MORIAH .. aka "DIVA" ... ADOPTED
BUSTER - ADOPTED
FOR VIDEO OF BUSTER ... CLICK "HERE"
Buster is a total sweetheart. Extremely cute and affectionate. A stocky, medium sized dog with an expression to melt your heart. He does have terrier in him - which equates to energy! If you have a yard to let him run, if you love to go on long walks or play in the dog park, if you have lots of time to share with this cutie-patootie, then he is your boy! What a love-bug he is! Buster needs to be neutered IMMEDIATELY. He has micro-chip, rabies, parvo and bordatello. He requires the remainder of his vaccination program.
Email me if you are interested in BUSTER! Click HERE
VENUS - ADOPTED
FOR VIDEO OF VENUS .... CLICK "HERE" The video for Venus is shorter than others because of the heat of the day. She is just a little pup and we felt a few minutes was enough for her!
VIDEO # 2 - Venus at play with the other rescue puppies -- Mason and Connor! This is Day 4 of their happy days at Harmony, hanging out and waiting for their new family to come and get them. They spent the entire day in HUGE 12' x 24' clean stable, with fresh shavings to romp around in, a fan too keep them cool, the radio on, plenty of food, water, cookies (chocolate chip dog cookies, if you please!!) and rawhide bones. They had a blast, and should sleep well and have happy dreams. The kill shelter memories should fade fast for these adorable young dogs!
ENJOY ... Click "HERE" for "PUPPIES AT PLAY" video!
What can I say about this dynamo of love, happiness and affection!! She is always happy, always energetic and bursting with unconditional love. The happiest ray of sunshine you could imagine. Just a darling little pup .... she will be big and she will love to run, play ... and run some more!! This happy little ray of sunshine will need a home where she can play and preferably with a safe, fenced yard. Not a mean bone in this little girl .. to say she is totally gorgeous would be an understatement. Venus is just a wonderful little baby and will grow up to be a fantastic dog. Venus needs to be spayed IMMEDIATELY. She has micro-chip, rabies, parvo and bordatello. She requires the remainder of her vaccination program.
Email me if you are interested in VENUS! Click HERE
*** I do not check my email during the day - if you want to see Venus TODAY, please call Devon at 321.377.7682 or Gary at 305.336.0812 to arrange an immediate viewing! ***
MASON - ADOPTED
Left: Mason, Boxer x Hound, Large, Young, Male .... ADOPTED! Congratulations to the beautiful Carla and her adorable daughter, Gianna! Carla and Gianna are so happy with little Mason - it was love at first sight! Judging by the pictures the girls have sent us, we know Mason will be spoilt rotten and have the best home ever... oh, and guess who gets to share the bed!!! Mason just won the puppy lottery with his new family! They sure make the cutest trio I have ever seen! Come visit us again, Girls .. we loved you! Devon
FOR VIDEO OF MASON ... CLICK "HERE"
VIDEO # 2 - Mason at play with the other rescue puppies -- Venus and Connor! This is Day 4 of their happy days at Harmony, hanging out and waiting for their new family to come and get them. They spent the entire day in HUGE 12' x 24' clean stable, with fresh shavings to romp around in, a fan too keep them cool, the radio on, plenty of food, water, cookies (chocolate chip dog cookies, if you please!!) and rawhide bones. They had a blast, and should sleep well and have happy dreams. The kill shelter memories should fade fast for these adorable young dogs!
ENJOY ... Click "HERE" for "PUPPIES AT PLAY" video!
Can you spell 'MARSHMALLOW'? Definition is "Mason"! This is one cool dude of a pup ... laid back, quiet, affectionate, goofy, adorable, sweet, funny, sociable and a complete bundle of joy! Yep, I think that just about defines this amazing little guy! The family that adopts this handsome little man will be extremely lucky! We have only just rescued him and I imagine our lives will have an immediate void when he joyfully bounces off with his new family! Mason needs to be neutered IMMEDIATELY. He has micro-chip, rabies, parvo and bordatello. He requires the remainder of his vaccination program.
Email me if you are interested in MASON! Click HERE
*** I do not check my email during the day - if you want to see Mason TODAY, please call Devon at 321.377.7682 or Gary at 305.336.0812 to arrange an immediate viewing! ***
FERGIE ... ADOPTED
Left: Fergie, Labrador x Shepherd, Large, Adult, Female - ... ADOPTED! CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW "DAD", MICK OF ORLANDO, FLORIDA. MICK WAS OUR HERO OF THE DAY, AS HE NOT ONLY TOOK FERGIE, BUT HE ALSO ADOPTED OUR LITTLE GIRL, HONEY! Please send us updates, Mick - we know you will spoil your girls rotten! :-) Fergie is a classy girl! She recently had a litter of pups. Just such a quiet, sweet, well-mannered and pretty little girl. She has taken everything in her stride - never getting upset, cranky or acting silly. She was given her micro-chip (which is painful) without complaint, she endured a 2 hour ride in a horse trailer through the night, stuck in a crate .. she sat quietly and did not make a fuss. She was the model of perfect behavior as we unloaded her and moved her into a different crate. She patiently waits for her feed and water. She sure enjoys her bones, too :-) The only time she has barked is when she thinks nobody is going to pay any attention to her .. then she will speak out and say "hey, I want to love you, too .. notice me, please?!". The minute I open her crate, she runs right into my arms - as if she has to work double overtime dishing out love and kisses. A very, very sweet girl who will make an outstanding best friend and family member to a super lucky family! If you are looking for a quieter dog - stop and take a serious look at Fergie!
HONEY... ADOPTED
Left: Honey, Labrador x Hound, Medium, Adult, Female ... ... ADOPTED! CONGRATULATIONS TO NEW "DAD", MICK OF ORLANDO, FLORIDA. MICK WAS OUR HERO OF THE DAY, AS HE NOT ONLY TOOK HONEY, BUT HE ALSO ADOPTED OUR PRECIOUS GIRL, FERGIE! We could not wish for a better home than the one Mick is giving these absolutely beautiful girls. YOU ARE THE BEST, MICK!!
Honey rips my heart out .. and to me, Honey is the epitome of the disposable society in which we live. Honey was part of a family for 2.5 years. Then, she was dumped at a kill shelter. I cannot even imagine this beauty doing anything wrong. How cruel and selfish people can be. If you could only see the confusion, sadness and loneliness in her soft, brown eyes - you would be ripped apart, too. I am sure she cannot understand .... and she must be thinking "no, I don't belong here - I have a family that I love and I am sure they would not leave me to die?" The truth is, after giving her family 150% of her heart, mind and soul .. her family felt justified in dropping her off in a cold, holding cell .. where she would spend her last days in misery before being killed (another number on another file) and dumped on the landfill. Before reality sets in and crushes this little girl' spirit - won't you rush over, hold her in your arms, tell her you love her and take her home FOREVER!! Personality wise, she could be Fergie's twin! Please read Fergie's personality and temperament description above - for the same applies to this little angel, too.
Honey needs to be spayed IMMEDIATELY. She has micro-chip, rabies, parvo and bordatello. She requires the remainder of her vaccination program.
JACKSON - ADOPTED
Above: Jackson, Catahoula Leopard Dog x Rottweiler, Large, Adult, Male ... ... Congratulations to the Prince Family of Orlando! This wonderful family came to Jackson's rescue just in time. Poor little Jackson was slipping into a depression believing nobody cared and nobody wanted him. He had stopped eating, stopped playing and no matter what bones, cookies and treats we gave him, he remained despondent. We were getting so concerned for his welfare until, just like the famous DIsney song ... "one day my Prince will come ...", literally came to pass. Jackson was adopted at 7pm on Sunday 21st September 2008. We are thrilled that Jackson has gone to such a loving and caring family! Thank you a million times over! Devon
FOR VIDEO OF JACKSON ... CLICK "HERE"
Jackson is a family dog if ever I met one! He just loves EVERYBODY! That tail of his is always wagging, always has that adorable smile on his face, and gets very, very sad and depressed when left alone for periods of time. A fun dog that I imagine with a family with kids. I bet he would have endless energy to play all day long with his human buddies! The sweetest expression, the biggest smile and a heart the size of a bus. How such a sunny, optimistic little chap could end up sitting on death row with hours to live is beyond my comprehension (the way I feel about any dog, not just Mr. Happy here!). Jackson is so desperate for his own family and I am praying that his new family will come any day now ... we don't want that smile on his beautiful face to begin to fade! I can literally sense this dog is just waiting and hoping ... he has been miserable without you for too long ... please bring your family, bring a ball and a bring a pen to sign his adoption contract! Jackson will bring such joy and happiness to your family - he just needs that chance to prove it to you!
Jackson needs to be neutered IMMEDIATELY. He has micro-chip, rabies, parvo and bordatello. He requires the remainder of his vaccination program.
Email me if you are interested in JACKSON! Click HERE
*** I do not check my email during the day - if you want to see Jackson TODAY, please call Devon at 321.377.7682 or Gary at 305.336.0812 to arrange an immediate viewing! ***
MARCUS - ADOPTED
Above: Marcus, Jack Russell Terrier (Parsons), Small, Young, Male .. Marcus chose his family today. And it was pretty much the opposite of where we figured he would go. I went to take him for a little walk, and he shot right past me, bolted all the way down the barn and pretty much into the arms of Gary, our manager at Horses in Harmony. That little dog worships the ground that Gary walks on and Marcus made it extremely clear that "Daddy" has been chosen. Gary, his wife Dorie, and Grandma Trudy will be signing adoption papers today (Grin!) .. You go, Marcus!! He made a smart choice.
FOR VIDEO OF MARCUS ..... CLICK "HERE"
Little Marcus is looking for a very specific home .. and we KNOW that home is out there. This young chap has obviously been abused or frightened very badly by a man. This means he is very insecure and nervous around men. However, he is a ladies man .... ooh, he loves us girls! This purebred, handsome and frightened little Jack Russell told me what he dreams of. He is looking for a single lady (preferably older, but he is an equal opportunity love bug, so all ages of ladies may apply .. grin!!!) He wants to have his special human lady to let him hang out on the couch with her and watch all of her favorite tv shows, go for walks together or go play in the yard, and just be best friends for the rest of his life. In return, he will give you all the love he has to give and he will protect you and your home. He will be your loyal, forever companion who will love you unconditionally, always be thrilled to see you (he will miss you even if you just popped out to the bathroom) and will never complain about the tv shows you choose to watch. He also says he does not like cats .... sorry, but he is not willing to negotiate on that one. So, right now, he is just sitting, staring at the door and waiting for his new Mom/Best Friend/Fellow Couch Potato to come running through the door and sweep him off his paws!
Marcus needs to be neutered IMMEDIATELY. He has micro-chip, rabies, parvo and bordatello. He requires the remainder of his vaccination program.
Email me if you are interested in MARCUS! Click HERE
MOJO - ADOPTED!
Above: Mojo, Boxer x Labrador Retriever, Large, Adult, Male ...... ADOPTED! Thanks so much Steven! Steven has just moved down to Central Florida from Alabama. Steven always wanted his own dog, but living in the city as a kid, his parents felt their lifestyle was not suitable for a dog. Steven was so happy to finally take Mojo home today! It was bitter-sweet for us at Harmony .. we were so pleased to see Mojo find a loving, permanent home with Steven .. but we all love Mojo so much, it was very hard to kiss him goodbye. The hardest part about our job in rescue and rehabilitation is that with every "goodbye" ... our horses and dogs take a little piece of our hearts with them. Steven promised to keep us updated on Mojo and if he is in the area, to bring him back for a visit! We will keep you to your word, Steven, we are DEARLY missing him .. but thank you for answering our prayers and giving him a great home with lots of love and attention, and a huge yard to run in. He is a lucky boy. Devon.
FOR VIDEO OF MOJO .... CLICK "HERE"
Mojo is an OUTSTANDING family dog. Happy, loving, sweet and fun. He is already neutered and vaccinated and ready to go home. The video will tell you more than words. He is such a cute, loving and loyal little guy. He stays very close at all times - this is one of those great dogs that is always close by. He is a little insecure and fearful, although once he is with his new family, I know that his confidence will easily be restored. He has so much love to give and he desperately wants to be held, loved and reassured. He is a super guy, very beautiful to look at and I know he will really ooze charisma when he realizes that there is no more pain, hurt, abuse, fear or hunger. Right now, he wants to enjoy his time with us, but there is a little reservation in letting go .. and you will see this as he lowers his chest to the ground and almost crawls apologetically to us. Until he is adopted, we will work on this every day to show him that some humans are wonderful, loving, patient, gentle and caring. If you have been searching for a great companion dog that NEEDS YOU .... Please hurry on over and adopt Mojo. He will be one in a million dog that will never you let down. This handsome chap does not need neutering nor vaccinations .. he is good to go, so there is no adoption fee nor vet costs incurred upon adoption!
Update on 21 September 2008: So many people have contacted me to say they would love to adopt Mojo .. but they never show :-( This dog is so incredible. I walk all around my 20 acre property with him and he never leaves my side. This is a fantastic dog for somebody that just loves that companionship that such a loyal dog provides. You can go anywhere, he sticks to you like glue. I took this dogs on errands with me everywhere - he is an angel in the car, he is super-social with everybody we go and visit. Very sweet, gentle and affectionate with all people -- this would be a great dog to for visiting sick or elderly people that cannot get out, but would love to have a few hours with such a special dog! I took more video of this awesome boy walking around my farm with me - never going more than a few meters from my feet. What really ripped my heart out was this little guy jumped into my truck as if to say "come on, let's go home", he then jumped out of the truck, ran over to me and touched my leg gently with his nose, then jumped back into my truck to show me again. He did everything to communicate to me what he wanted .. he is only 9 months old. I cannot get over his loyalty and his extreme intelligence. I would love to keep him, but I have a barn full of 20+ horses, 2 dogs and 2 farm cats. I know there is a very special home for him, although I will probably cry for a week when I have to say goodbye to him. This dog is one of the most special I have ever come across in my entire life ... we have had dogs in my family since the day I was born. He ranks at the top of my favorite list.
You have to meet him to understand just how amazing he truly is. Second video .. CLICK "HERE"
Email me if you are interested in MOJO! Click HERE
*** I do not check my email during the day - if you want to see Mojo TODAY, please call Devon at 321.377.7682 or Gary at 305.336.0812 to arrange an immediate viewing! ***
TESSA ... ADOPTED
I hope that these videos help all of you understand one thing! If you go to a kill shelter, or you look at photos of the dogs at a kill shelter ... do not turn away because the dog does not appear as quiet and sweet as you would hope. Think about this ... if you were an innocent person who loved everybody and never did anything wrong, you were thrown into a cell on death row .. and you KNEW you were going to die without anybody knowing and caring ...... you knew this was the end and nobody will listen to you ..........there is no escape ....... you are terrified, lonely, you have no voice that can be heard! Hours before your death, an angel walks down the corridor and this angel has the key to open only one cell door and set that innocent soul free ... the very last chance before you die ......... what would YOU do? Would you act your normal, sweet, quiet and loving self? ... or would you shout and scream, throw yourself against the door, do everything within your power to get somebody's attention that you are SO deserving of life, that you are so special, that you have so much love to give .... ?
I walked down two noisy and overwhelming aisles, smelly, hot and ear-piercingly, offensively noisy. But I did not pull away and think "oh no, this won't do, I was thinking more of a Benji or Lassie type personality .. these dogs are obviously ill-mannered and probably are better off dead ...". I put myself in their position and realized that I, too, would be banging on doors, screaming my head off, throwing myself around until that one angel with the key would stop and look at me and somehow, telepathically, would realize I was special.
The reason I put the videos on my site is to show you the difference between a photograph, another face in another shelter ..... is actually a beautiful soul that has so much personality, charisma and UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. As you watch the videos .. think on. I spent 4.5 hours at the shelter adamant that EVERY SINGLE DOG that could be released, would come home with me. We had mounds of paperwork to complete, each dog had to have a Capstar (flea med) administered, each dog had to be microchipped, each dog had to be paired with another to be placed in a crate to come home with me ... a four horse trailer and fourteen dogs .. it took strategy. I will be human enough and admit that I saw the chaos, the "apparent" bad manners of the dogs, the over-excitability and I was anxious that I might end up with 14 dogs that I would not be able to re-home.
However, we shot the videos above only 1 day after rescuing these dogs .. these babies do not know us ... and look how they acted with me. The epitome of great family dogs, loving, happy, joyful and grateful. I will be brutally honest and hate myself for saying this ... but I am humbled by my discovery and realization. When I saw Tater at the shelter, he appeared huge, noisy and boisterous. If I had had to pick just one dog, I would have immediately backed away from him as he looked "uncontrollable". I was shocked when I brought him home and video'd him with me. His very first time playing with me - he was friendly, loving, affectionate, WELL TRAINED, quiet and stole my heart within a second. Yes, the dog that I based an incorrect opinion of, because he was desperately screaming at me "don't let me die - give me a chance" .. the only way he knew how to communicate to me. I was so disappointed at myself and that profound moment hit me like a ton of bricks. I was meant to bring him home with the others .. to teach myself this crucial lesson .. and to share the message with you.
My message to all of you out there looking for a dog to adopt ... PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE .... look further than the behavior you see from a dog waiting to die in a kill shelter. Put yourself in that dog's position. Understand, think, love, connect and go with your heart. Do not make an initial impression based upon an act of desperation ..... look beyond.
This has been incredibly hard for me to write - and I cried through every word. I don't even know if my message can come across strongly enough ... but if I can educate just ONE person, that is ONE less dog that is needlessly killed in a shelter somewhere.
It does not matter which shelter you rescue your next dog from ....just please carefully look at each of those dogs (or cats) with fresh eyes and a deeper understanding.
My shelter of choice is actually located 85 miles away from my farm ... so why would I chose LEVY COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES. Well, for two reasons ... my first reason would be the two most beautiful human beings I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Arnette and Jody ... these life-savers have to brace themselves against orders to kill beautiful and innocent dogs that they fight so hard to save each week. They deal with the tragedy and heartbreak because they both know that if they quit, the dogs will not get the opportunity to find second homes .. I truly doubt if there is anybody who has the dedication, commitment, true deep love and strength to do their work. And their strength is something I admire, and will never have.
The second reason is because of the extremely high fatality rate --- this is not a large shelter in a well populated area ... this is a tiny little shelter stuck out in the middle of nowhere, conveniently located on a landfill. Gorgeous dogs (just like all shown above) are euthanized weekly because nobody knows or cares.
I believe any dog in any kill shelter deserves absolute priority for immediate adoption -- but if you have the means and the time, I strongly encourage you to visit LEVY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER, Bronson, Florida! Their website is: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/levycountyanimal.html
Most of all, my message is to you ... please spay and neuter your pets. There were 2 litters of newborn puppies at a KILL SHELTER, folks! Just more statistics, more numbers on more papers ... this is inhumane. I don't know how much shouting and screaming we must do to get this message across ... or perhaps, just like the loud, boisterous and desperate dogs in the kill shelters ... our cries for help continue to be ignored?
Have you ever considered fostering a dog until a permanent, adoptive home can be found? Please find out more information on this by contacting Arnette or Jody at Levy County Animal Shelter.
Thank you for reading my message - I hope it made an impact.
Devon Belanger
A thank you message from Arnette and Jody at Levy County Animal Services! Written on 19 September 2008:
But for the GRACE of GOD go our
kids!!!
We can not get lax in what we do, we can only P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens) forward for these kids! We do not hold the Power, we are given Power through Faith. How AWESOME is that? Faith got all of us here, and faith will push us forward!
*** Management at Levy County Animal Services have agreed, since seeing the videos of the dogs above, to allow a large play area for the dogs to be built. They will not provide funding for the materials to build this, but merely "allow" it to be built. If you have ideas on how we can raise funds to build a play area for these dogs waiting to die on death row - please contact us! If you have read my small article above and watched the videos of the dogs, you will understand that the dog adoption rate could possibly sky rocket if the dogs can get out of a terrifying environment and get a chance to run, play and interact quietly with a potential adoptive family ***
|
|
|
|
|
DOGS RESCUED FROM DEATH ROW ...
Please Adopt Today! (321) 377-7682
[Library/themed_image.htm]
|
Left:
Maddy, Labrador Retriever x Terrier, Medium, Young, Female
... Congratulations to the Santiago family of Orlando, Florida. This
wonderful family were camera shy (smile), but take it from us, there is nothing
more beautiful than the huge smiles of Mom, Dad, 2 kids and their boston
terrier!! (grin). What a fantastic home Maddy has gone to! She has a
large fenced yard to play and such a happy family who loved her from the first
moment they saw her video! You guys ROCK! Devon
These girls
were exercising Tater for us!
Left:
Moriah now known as "DIVA", Rottweiler x Doberman Pinscher, Large, Young, Female - Shyness Issues -
THIS BEAUTIFUL, SHY AND SCARED LITTLE GIRL HAS BEEN
ADOPTED BY ONE OF OUR GROOMS/HANDLERS AT HORSES IN HARMONY. SHE HAS GONE
TO THE MOST LOVING HOME. Congratulations to Mark, Laura &
Family in Ocoee, Florida. I am so thrilled I will get to see DIVA (Moriah's
new name) on a regular basis at our farm. Mark has named this gorgeous
puppy after his favorite rescue horse at our farm, our holsteiner mare who is
now being loved by her new family in Alabama!
Left:
Buster - Bull Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Medium Sized, Young, Male
... ADOPTED! Congratulations to Brandon C. and
family from Inverness, Florida. You have an incredible little dog with looks and
personality to steal any heart! Please keep us updated with all your fun
stories and photos! We are so happy that Buster has found such a loving
home! Thanks!
Left:
Venus, Shepherd x Labrador, Large, Baby, Female ....
Congratulations to Carol of GIBSON TRUCK WORLD! Carol has been with Gibson
Truck World for very many years and I feel so happy that Venus has gone home
with one of the nicest people anyone could hope to meet! A very fortuitous
moment .. I only took the puppies to Gibson Truck World as I was running and
errand and I wanted to give the puppies a little "adventure"!. As we were
taking Venus out of the truck to meet everyone, Carol walked by and immediately
scooped Venus up, took her for a walk, instantly fell in love and took her home!
Carol contacted me a few hours later to say that Venus was awesome and getting
along famously with her other dog! Another extremely happy ending!
Another day, another reason to have a huge smile on my face :-) Enjoy your
beautiful puppy, Carol - she is a baby doll! Devon
The
second picture shows Fergalicious with at her awesome Dad's home ... how happy
does she look?!?
Second
Picture: The best picture ever .. off of Death Row and in a home with the
best "Dad" in the world, a soft carpet, a bone, a ton of love .. and Mick cares
enough to send updated photos to brighten our day! We are SO proud of you,
Mick! Thanks a million! The Harmony Team!
Left:
Tessa, Hound x Dalmation, Large, Adult, Female
... ADOPTED! Congratulations to the LOGANS, Eustis, Florida! |
Copyright © 20xx.Your Company Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Home | Products | Services | FAQs | Contact | About | Privacy | Sitemap 
|
