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Tootsie and puppies
enjoy reunion party
Unfortunately, thousands of dogs just like Tootsie do not have a second chance because of the pet overpopulation problem. For Tootsie, becoming pregnant meant losing her home and ending up in the Independence Animal Shelter, where she awaited an uncertain future. She gave birth to nine puppies in the shelter. Then in August of 2000, several volunteers - Natalie Arbaugh and her mother Shelly, Deanna Clark and Ginny Holbert - pitched in to rescue her and her puppies. They were impressed by her sweet personality. Tootsie was taken into our foster care program and we were hopeful of finding her a new home. Her sweet disposition helped her one day when a wonderful couple came to our adoption site on Barry Road and adopted her. One year later, ten-year old Natalie Abaugh decided to have a party in honor of Tootsie. She planned a reunion party at her house, for Tootsie and her puppies. Every one who adopted a puppy was invited. All attended except two puppies and their owners - one puppy was recovering from leg surgery and another puppy had an owner on vacation. Needless to say, it was one big, happy party. "It's amazing that Tootsie remembered her puppies," said Deanna Clark, who attended the party, "because it had been a whole year since she saw them, And, we all enjoyed seeing the puppies play with each other again." Tootsie's story is remarkable. We only wish that every homeless dog could have a second chance like Tootsie. Unfortunately, thousands of dogs just like Tootsie do not have a second chance because of the pet overpopulation problem. Please help us to promote responsible pet ownership by stressing the importance of spaying and neutering. According to the Humane Society of the United States, Tootsie and her puppies could theoretically add 67,000 more dogs to the pet population in only six years. |
