My journey into a world of dogs comes naturally through my art. I become more familiar with them with each portrait I paint. A connection forms and love just happens. Without that, I doubt seriously I could do a painting that was anywhere near presentable.

Along the way, I learned a lot about non-profit, no-kill animal rescue groups all over the country. I have met the most amazing people who give their lives to save and nurture critters. My admiration for their work is endless, and now I am learning even more. My calm, quiet Saturday visit to FaceBook gave me a huge jolt:

Beagles need your help, can anyone take a beagle for 10 days? Please read!

Here is the situation in a nutshell : Pam went to pull some dogs from Polk and noted there were 3 more beagles there that we didn’t know about. She was told that if we didn’t take them by 4pm they would be euthanized. Polk is holding 261 dogs from a hoarding case and they are MAXED out so dogs are being held only 5 days and owner surrenders are being put down pretty much immediately. It is a horrible situation going on there right now. After many phone calls and negotiations we were able to get until MONDAY ONLY to get them out. To make matters worse they added 2 female beagles to the list! We were able to get out one of the males Friday. There was even a lady at the shelter who wanted to adopt one of the other 2 males still there – and THE SHELTER WOULDN’T LET HER!

Bottom line is we have until Monday 4pm to get 2 male and 2 female beagles out of the shelter or they will be killed. No reprieves. They are all friendly and seemingly healthy. The kennel is not prepared to take in this # of shelter dogs for 10 more days. I am looking for 3 people to take one dog for 10 days – that’s it, just 10 days!! Our usual fosters are maxed out and most are already holding an extra dog.

Oh no! I have to do something. Killing of innocent dogs is now right there – in my face – no longer just the stories I read on the internet through my tears. Time to step up to the plate. I asked Geoff if we could take in a beagle for 10 days. Without hesitation, he agreed. McCoy is one lucky dog. Contact made.

Sunday, August 8th
We were scheduled to get a beagle on Monday afternoon. Tanya, photographer and dedicated foster mom in St. Petersburg, would drive out to Polk County Animal Services before the 4 PM death sentence and bring the dogs back to safety. My emotions ran from apprehension to excitement, between sadness and joy. I began to make plans:

1. Learn about beagles – rave reviews! They are gentle, loving, and “should not bother the cats!”
2. Do we need to buy a crate, will the dog have a collar and leash, what will he want to eat, etc, etc, etc. Wait. Calm down.
3. Make out schedule so someone will be home at least most of the time – who knows what the little guy has already been through? Done.
4. Fill out the forms for Volunteers at Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue. Done.

Monday, August 9th
Waiting for word on the rescue effort. What if Tanya’s car breaks down on the way and she doesn’t get there before 4 PM? What if Polk didn’t honor the negotiations? Stop it! Think only positive thoughts. The next word came – she would pick up the dogs around 1ish. Yippee! How bad could imagined car trouble be? Positive thinking is working.

Waiting.

Tanya called. We can pick up the dog at 6 PM. She wants to give him a bath. The word stinky was mentioned several times, but who cares? He is alive. We met McCoy. He is a loving, gentle, major tail wagger…now in his crate and sleeping like a cat. Slept the whole night through. A new day, a new life and a new home, albeit temporary, and McCoy is doing just fine.

I never thought of being a “temporary volunteer” but I think there is a need for that, too. If you cannot commit to total, round the clock, day after day fostering, there is a way to help. Check with your local agencies. And check back tomorrow for McCoy updates.