Rescue Tail / Can you say 814 days?

In the spring of 2018, “Katty” arrived in the Southernmost town tethered to the wall of a box truck.  She and other dogs were part of a traveling group of people who came south to check out Key West. We got concerning reports about the dogs and eventually seized Katniss and others. We quickly discovered that she was “with child”, in fact, with many! She immediately went into a foster home and gave the world  eight puppies. Once they found homes, she returned to the shelter and eventually found her own home, but it didn’t last long. Her feisty behavior and strength brought her back to the shelter.

Over time, we got to know Katniss and the many sides of her big personality.  She had this way of smiling which caused her eyes to squint and her nose to wrinkle.  No matter what she was doing, when she gave that look, we would laugh. She was strong-minded and could be so frustrating at times. When she didn’t want to move, she didn’t.  She could be in the middle of the shelter, walking down the sidewalk, or standing in the middle of the road!  Cajoling, treats, a firm attitude were all tried, but she’d stick to her guns and give you her squinty look. We couldn’t help but laugh. She really knew how to work us! And that was part of her charm and how she became such a favorite to all of us.

But she did have bigger challenges. She liked her “stuff” (chews, food, bones) and at times wasn’t a fan of sharing. She also would let people know if she didn’t like them, so early on these issues caused her to get a couple of red marks on her shelter “report card”.   While neither incident was major, they were enough to limit her pool of potential adopters.  So Katniss waited and waited for the right person to come along. Over time she softened, and while still challenging,  calmed down.

When the lockdown began and someone offered to foster Katniss, we said yes. Her foster mom, Heidi, was great and gave Katty an opportunity to experience real life again. When Heidi went back to work, Katniss came back to the shelter.  We quickly learned though, that Katniss had worked her magic on Heidi’s neighbor, Hannah, who offered to foster her for a couple weeks until she left to go north. Seeing Katniss back in her kennel was heartbreaking, so we jumped at the chance. And with that chance, the stage was set for a very happy ending.

After TWO years, TWO months, and TWENTY-TWO days, Katniss left the shelter with Hannah in route to her SECOND home.  She will be living on a farm in Virginia with open spaces, quiet places, and a kind family to love her! To all those who helped Katniss along the way, we thank you! And to Hannah, you made our dreams come true!!

Update: Katniss is enjoying the country life and her new family. Not sure who is happier, Katty or us???