We cannot "THANK YOU" enough for helping START fund this last minute Emergency Transport on July 1st. It was arranged at the 11th hour and ended up saving 114 lives.
Several California shelters reached out to us in desperation to help get some of their 4-legged residents out. This is a very busy time of year for the California shelter system, due to an influx of dogs escaping to the streets in fear from the July 4th fireworks. Many shelters are filling up again and have to euthanize pets who have had no rescue interest so they can make room for the pets coming in on July 5th. (Plus, we are also hearing people are surrendering pets they "adopted" during the pandemic as they are heading back to work and supposedly don't have time for them.)
We have to admit this was a hectic, emotional, and dramatic 48 hours. The heat was not in our favor. And even though we have a new AC and backup generator onboard The Beast, both stopped working enroute. These are heavy-duty RV-grade units and should have been be super reliable. Thankfully, our drivers were able to reset the AC and generator but, even so, the truck was quite hot on arrival.
One dog came on board a little hot and ended up going to the emergency for fluids and other treatments. He is now doing well and is currently in a foster home having a blast! The foster's son named him SPOTTY.
Knowing that temperatures have been rising, START plans to either add another backup generator to our system or consult for an alternative plan (whatever is the safest plan).
At the end of the day - 114 lives were saved.
Some of our passengers included:
2 pitties
32 chihuahua/mixes
6 cats
2 dogs from the streets of Mexico
We are humbled again by your AMAZING support and kindness. Your contributions funded this entire transport. And since we raised some extra funds, START has donated $5,000 of pledges to help rescue more dogs and cats out of the overflowing shelter system during this time.
Special Thanks to our transport coordinator, Candace, who pulled off another miracle, and to Colleen for assisting her along the way and being such a powerhouse for the voiceless. You two are incredible! Also big thanks to our amazing drivers, Dennis and Nick, and our pet attendant, Terri.
Also GIANT thanks to our receiving groups in the PNW--Reedsport K9, The Safehaven Humane Society, Oregon Dog Rescue, My Way Home Rescue, Lucky Paws, Hazel's House Rescue, Wallflowers Shine Project--for stepping up to take these pets in need and for bearing with us during the hectic couple of days.
We will keep you updated and look forward to sharing photos when our 4-legged miracles receive their dream gifts . . . a FURever home for each one of them.
THANK YOU!
Some of our special 4-legged passengers:
As ALWAYS
(With Love)
from . . .
The START Team XOX