In 2007 a pitbull mix waited at a high-kill gassing shelter in the state of Georgia. She was fortunate enough to be rescued and transported to Fargo, N.D., but spent two years living in boarding facilities because no one would foster or adopt her.
This is the story of Georgia, a “lucky” dog who now sleeps under the covers every night in a warm bed.
Georgia is a dog who taught me and many others a thing or two about what it means to rescue dogs. Although she is just one dog, Georgia’s story is in some ways the story of all rescue dogs - those that find homes, those that do not, and those that continue to wait.
Pulled from a high-kill shelter
Kish Hilmert, founder of 4 Luv of Dog Rescue in Fargo, was on an email list in 2007 that focused on saving southern dogs from gassing shelters. She had originally responded to a post about a small dog from the same shelter as Georgia.
“When I called, that dog had been rescued, but the volunteer begged me to take Georgia,” she said.
Kish debated over rescuing Georgia, a pit mix who would take a lot of time and money to get transported to Fargo. At the time, Kish was helping rescue dogs with money from her own pocket.
“Her pound picture was terrible. Her head was hung so low that you could not see her face, just her back,” Kish said of Georgia.
She decided to give the dog a chance.
Like many southern pound dogs, Georgia later tested positive for heartworm. But Kish said once she and 4 Luv of Dog Rescue agree to help a dog, it becomes their responsibility to do everything possible by providing medical care, providing emotional care and never giving up on that dog.
A forever home
Ask Andree Hayes why it took Georgia so long to find a permanent home and she will say “Because she was meant to be our dog!”
Today, Georgia follows Phil and Andree Hayes from room to room.
“She is our best friend that we love to spend time with,” Andree said.
Georgia can be found lounging on the couch, napping near windows and sleeping in her owners’ bed at night. In the mornings, Georgia is always eager to start a new day and gets pushy if “Mom and Dad” try to sleep in.
“She sighs with annoyance and kicks the snooze-pusher,” Andree said.
The couple chose to foster Georgia in July 2009. She was their first foster dog. Their initial impressions of their future dog weren’t exactly ideal – she was a little hyper at the kennel and even ripped Phil’s pants, Andree said.
Still, they brought Georgia home that day, assuming she would be a long-term foster dog.
“We didn’t know how we felt, but it sure felt right driving her home,” Andree said. ”Phil put his arm around me in the front seat, and Georgia stuck her head underneath his arm from the back seat as if to show she was already part of our family.”
Georgia would be the couple’s first dog together. Phil had never owned a dog before, and Andree grew up with her family’s cocker spaniel mix, Licorice.
In December 2009, Andree and Phil began thinking of actually adopting Georgia. Although Andree said she thought eventually someone might want the dog, no one had looked at Georgia during adoption events.
“Then I thought how sad I would be without her, and how I would feel like I gave up on her by letting someone else adopt her,” she said. ”She was and is truly a perfect dog, so how could we do any better than that?”
Life in the kennel
Although Georgia went without a foster home for the majority of two years, she did receive special attention from rescue volunteers and kennel staff during that time. She got to go on walks and attended training classes.
Two years is a long time for an animal that on average might live to be 10 or 11. But every time I took Georgia out for a run, she was making the best of what she had. She was always optimistic and living in the moment as animals do best.
Like me, many rescue volunteers got to know Georgia well.
“She didn’t let kennel life get her down,” said Tina, foster coordinator with 4 Luv of Dog. “Georgia is a nice dog – she loves people – she was just given a bad break by having a prior owner who obviously did not properly train or socialize her with other animals.”
Georgia’s new owners are very aware of their dog’s nature and said they don’t allow her in situations that would jeopardize her or anyone’s safety.
Is there someone out there for every rescue dog?
I believe that most of life’s events happen by coincidence, but if Georgia has taught me one thing, it’s never give up. There just might be someone out there for every dog.
“Sometimes it just takes a while to find the right match,” Tina said. ”Some dogs require more effort on the part of their owners.”
Kish also said she believes there is a home out there for every dog, and seeing a dog like Georgia go into a loving home means a lot.
“When I heard her fosters were adopting her, I did tear up,” she said. ”I often think of her in her home and sleeping on the couch or getting her beloved belly rubs and it makes me sooo happy. She deserves a loving home that appreciates her.”
‘Kill’ vs. no-kill shelters
There is always debate on whether it’s right for shelters or rescues to eventually euthanize some animals.
PETA and the HSUS stand by the argument that euthanizing ”less adoptable dogs” is at times better in the long run because this opens up more resources and space for other animals. It is also possible for dogs to literally go crazy from long-term confinement, so some believe it’s more humane to end dogs’ lives.
In my opinion, the fact that so many dogs are euthanized each year when there are dog lovers in every community willing to help is a complete shame and failure.
When people criticize 4 Luv of Dog for taking in certain dogs, Kish said she encourages these people to get involved with animal rescue and to focus more time and energy to helping animals.
Often, the public does not have a clear idea of what animal rescue entails, she said. Dogs give us humans so much love, loyalty and companionship, and they deserve our love and dedication.
“The dogs in the pounds can not speak for themselves,” Kish said. “They can not tell us how wonderful they are, how hard their lives have been, and how much they deserve to live, so that is why it is so important to me to help these dogs.”
Tina also believes it is worth all the time, money and effort to save all dogs because they deserve better. After all, it’s not the dog’s fault if he ends up in the pound or happens to have behavioral issues.
“Dogs grow and become a by-product of how they were raised and what their owners taught them,” Tina said. ”Dogs are not born mean, aggressive or fearful – they become this way due to the environment in which they are raised.”
Tina said she believes most behavioral issues can be corrected. It just might take a lot of work, and not all people are willing to put in the time and effort many dogs require.
Lucky dog
Now that Georgia is in their lives, Andree said she and her husband are a whole lot happier. They often prefer to stay home with their dog these days rather than go out with friends. They used to wash their hands every two minutes when they were around Georgia, but now they embrace her licking and her “dog germs.”
Andree said all dogs deserve a chance, and she strongly encourages people to adopt a rescue dog or to consider fostering a dog “because you just might fall in love!”
Congratulations, Georgia, you’re home at last.
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January 26th, 2010 at 9:51 pm
I like to believe there is a home for every rescue dog.
The first step is to diligently spay and neuter. Next, education will go a long way. There would be far less “difficult” animals this way since most of the time there is a difficult or impatient human that causes issues. There is more and it is a tall order but if we all stay involved and do our part we can eventually minimize the amount of “unwanted” dogs. I don’t mean to oversimplify but I believe it really is a few culture shifts away from being a problem.
January 26th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Good points, Apryl. I think you are right.
January 26th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
What a beautiful story. And it was so good that Georgia wasn’t just warehoused, but the staff did what it could to socialize her.
I do believe that shelters could do more to encourage volunteers and to market the dogs. Any time a dog gets publicity, everyone want that dog. I wish more dogs could make it to the media with a story that would touch someone.
January 26th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
Thanks, Jan. I think shelters and rescues should do more to market the individual dogs as well.
January 27th, 2010 at 12:47 am
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January 27th, 2010 at 8:09 am
What a wonderful story. I’m so happy that Georgia found her forever home, though the pictures totally took my breath away – she looks like she could be the sister to my Emmett! Thanks for sharing such a happy, inspiring story!
January 27th, 2010 at 8:44 am
She does look a lot like Emmett!
January 27th, 2010 at 11:35 am
Homelessness need not be punished by death.
I love this story Lindsay! Beautiful dog, beautiful family! Thanks for sharing!
January 27th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Thanks, Lori!
January 27th, 2010 at 7:32 pm
I walked Georgia a few times in the early years of 4 Luv of Dog when some of the dogs were boarded at the Natural Pet Center. She had a very happy personality, always seemed enthused about everything we encountered on the walk! I am so happy she found a forever home, it’s what every dog deserves! I also used to walk Cane (Matty) and he was a very sweet dog, it also took him 2 years to find a home, but those facts just reinforces Kish’s ideal that there is a home out there for every dog! Thanks for sharing her story.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:18 am
Thanks, Amanda. I’m glad you got over to walk Georgia when she was in boarding. I remember Matty as well. He was a nice dog, and I’m glad he finally got a home last year.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
You made me cry! Thanks for posting Georgia’s story, her new family is wonderful and I couldn’t think of a happier ending. Georgia was always well behaved in boarding and didn’t get the usual “kennel crazies” that most dogs get after a few weeks. I believe she was just thankful to be alive! She knew her family would be along to find her and she patiently waited for them until they did
January 28th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
You’re welcome, Jamie. You know Georgia better than I do, so I know it must mean a lot to you to finally see that she’s in a loving home. I’m so happy for her! I didn’t mean to make you cry
January 31st, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Georgia, your beauty and strength give me hope for all the dogs in need. You never gave up on us and we never gave up on you. Every dog has a home and I am so grateful that your home found you. You have a beautiful spirit that I admire. Thank you for sharing your life with me. -Kish
February 1st, 2010 at 2:19 am
I really liked this blog. You are a kind soul to share your life with one of God’s beautiful creatures. I have 2 bullmastiff puppies that will share my life with me too.
February 1st, 2010 at 5:51 am
I enjoy reading this wonderful story. I believe that each dog should have a home. Thank you for sharing this inspiring story.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:09 am
I was so thrilled when I saw her pic on the adoption pending page! I would have fostered her in a hot second if I didnt have a cat. I remember Matty too and I was excited when I saw him on the adoption pending page as well. I never had the pleasure of meeting either dog but I kept tabs on them. Now it’s Shyla’s turn!!! Thanks for the great story Lindsay.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:33 am
Yep, now it’s time for Shyla, Sasha and Stormy to get adopted!
February 5th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Thanks for this story Lindsey! I think Georgia knew Andree was hers the moment she saw her, I’d never seen her so excited to see somebody! I’m so thankful that Miss Georgia found home… thanks Andree and Phil!
February 5th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Aww, good to hear! I’m so happy she has a good home
February 7th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Good for Georgia. It’s an intense debate… euthanizing or not… I don’t really have an opinion on it, I leave that to those more educated in shelters.
February 7th, 2010 at 9:32 pm
It’s a hard choice when there are not enough resources.
February 8th, 2010 at 11:42 am
I helped Phil and Andree find their home and I can’t think of two nicer people to be with Georgia! What a fantastic story and a wonderful ending. Love it!
February 8th, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Thanks so much for your comment! I’m so glad it was a happy ending for Georgia.
February 15th, 2010 at 6:46 am
I’m so glad I found this great article on Georgia and her new family. I volunteered with 4 Luv of Dog when Georgia and Matty were “newbies”. I knew Georgia was adopted, but didn’t know who her new family was. Now I know and I’m crying while I read it. Georgia, you found home at last. You big sweetie! Thanks a million to her new family and I mean that
Kiss to you Georgia, good girl.
Now if I could just read a story about Matty and his new family…..
February 15th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Georgia certainly deserves her knew home. I wonder how Matty is doing as well.