He was an old dog, and needed some medical care. His family left him at an overcrowded shelter in Southern California when they could no longer care for him. His chances of making it out of the shelter alive were not very good. But Joey the Australian Shepherd had a network of angels looking over his shoulder.
When a plea from Southern California Aussie Rescue was sent to AFRP’s Sue Trapp, it set into motion a series of actions that led to Joey’s salvation. AFRP volunteers Polaris and Taven felt an instant connection when they saw Joey’s photo and read his story. They felt compelled to help, and forwarded Joey’s story to their friends and coworkers. If nobody stepped forward, they committed to fostering him themselves--not an easy decision for a busy working couple with a small house and four cats to care for. But then Taven’s coworker Delinda, who had recently lost her canine companion of many years, stepped forward. After reading his story, she knew that Joey was somehow destined to be her dog.
Joey now had a place to go, but would help come in time? Delinda lived in Monterey and Joey was far away in Riverside. The clock was ticking. That’s when another piece of the rescue puzzle fell into place. National Brittany Spaniel Rescue and Japanese Chin Rescue had transport plans in place for three of their dogs to go to Northern California with Pilots N Paws, a nonprofit organization connecting private pilots all over the country with shelter animals in need of transportation. There was room on the plane for Joey to go too!
Sunday afternoon, September 27, pilot Dave landed his small plane at Monterey Airport with his four canine passengers. There to meet him were AFRP volunteers Polaris and Taven, Santa Cruz Adoptions Manager Sue Trapp, and Joey’s adopter, Delinda. It couldn’t have been a more beautiful homecoming.
Joey arrived with a case of kennel cough and is desperately in need of some dental work and blood work. He also needs to have a suspicious mass tested and possibly removed. To donate to Joey’s medical fund or to help another dog or cat in need, please visit the AFRP Medical Donation page.
