Norah was delivered to me from an Arkansas shelter (via trailer truck transport) on July 20, 2019.
Her story was sadly very common. She had been turned into the shelter, the January before, about to give birth to 9 pups. The pups happily found forever homes but Norah (formerly Georgia) was still waiting there in July.
That summer was bittersweet because on June 27, 2019, my 15 year old Jack Russell (best pal), Ollie, crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I was heartbroken but searched almost immediately for a dog to rescue. I’d known Ollie’s days were numbered and decided that I’d let his passing determine the timing of my search.
The rescue shelter (Humane Society of the Delta) was constantly overflowing with HUNDREDS of dogs. That area has a crisis in that, the culture there, has an attitude of dogs as ‘throw away’ items.
I found Norah on the last page of their online site. Her adult status and imperfect ‘figure’ due to giving birth made her a hard case to place. BINGO! I was hooked.
I changed her name to Norah because it means ‘honor’ and her new home was in honor of Ollie.
My smile happened this weekend. Norah had had quite an adjustment to make for trust issues. She had a sweet disposition but seemed overwhelmed by ‘the good life’ as a treasured pet. (I’m glad I don’t know anything about her pre-shelter treatment. It wasn’t likely nice.)
We own 30 acres of forest land where we spend a lot of time camping, and for 2019 and 2020, Norah had to remained leashed for her own safety. This will be her second full summer as a ‘camping dog’. Our other dog knows not to run off and roams freely.
At some point, the bond Norah and I have developed has taken a firm hold and she is now able to be unleashed under supervision! This is a BIG milestone!
She keeps me in her sight and doesn’t try to haphazardly roam away, which is something she attempted in ‘tests’ in 2019 and 2020.
Now Norah can be a real dog! She can lie on our deck and sniff and dig holes all she wants.
Norah knows we’re family now and she’s FREE.
<FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THAT WONDERFUL SHELTER RESPONSIBLE FOR NORAH’S SECOND CHANCE>
Animal Shelter | Humane Society of the Delta | United States
The Weekly Smile for the 26th of April, 2021 #weeklysmile | Trent’s World (the Blog) (trentsworld.blog)
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I could hug you for taking Norah in and working with her to give her a good life. Sadly its the veterinary clinics that make so many sick and abused animals by charging stupid amounts for treatments. Add that to those who straight out abuse animals and you have a massive crisis very few even care about.
My heart breaks that I couldn’t save them all.
Thanks, Mason.
I know. I take a little dog food to help the shelter every day. I could easily take hundred of dogs and cats home each time.
What a beautiful and heartwarming, story, Susan. I liked your reason for naming her Norah. She’s adorable and has lovely eyes. God bless you and other like you who offer your homes to these animals. All they need are love and care.
Thanks so much. Please share the information about that shelter if you know anyone looking to rescue. They ship the dogs to many places within the U.S.. 😀
Ah, what sweet girl. Glad she is now able to be free. I’m sure it also makes your life much easier when you are out with her.
Absolutely! I felt ‘tied down’ too!