News
Happy Fate for the ‘Great Eight’
August 07, 2008, 2:6PM MT
By Jennifer S Hayes
Collaboration creates new opportunities for former fighters.
Collaboration creates new opportunities for former fighters.
By Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
It has been a little over a month since the ‘Great Eight’ were transported from Spokane, Washington to St. Louis, Missouri and what a journey it has turned out to be.
Cooperative rescue
Their story began last year when eight pit bulls were seized as “evidence” in a dog fighting case. While justice was served when the individuals responsible were convicted, the question then became what was to become of the dogs?
SCRAPS (Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service) had cared for them more than a year; however, wished to find another organization that could provide the necessary training and socialization required to adopt them into loving homes.
Troy Lea, Best Friends Animal Help Specialist, worked in close association with Carmel Travis, an independent rescuer, to try to find placements for the dogs. Fortunately both women were familiar with Stray Rescue of St. Louis and contacted founder Randy Grim to see if their organization could help. He quickly agreed to accept Chewy into their program; however, within a day surprised everyone when he said the facility would welcome all eight.
“Not only did Randy feel like it was a good time for him to step up and help these dogs, but also looked at it from an educational standpoint,” noted Lea. “These are highly adoptable pit bulls that have been through a lot and Randy really wanted the opportunity to show the public.”
Placement was found, but they still needed to get from Washington to Missouri. Flying animals during hot summer months is risky, plus many airlines have policies against transporting pit bulls.
Once again, Best Friends stepped up and not only arranged the transport, but had Sherry Woodard and Jeff Popowich drive to Spokane, pick up the eight canines, and drive straight through to St. Louis (with occasional stops for the dogs). In spite of coming from a fighting background and the stress of the long trip, the dogs were all friendly and easy to handle throughout. Each stop for a walk was punctuated with the drum of wagging tails bouncing against their crates.
Despite the mid-night appearance, their arrival was cause for celebration by staff and volunteers displaying signs and banners. However, the morning brought crowds and media to welcome the precious cargo to their new home. (click the image to the left to view a video slideshow highlighting their arrival)
Popowich noted that the Michael Vick case has shed light on the horrors of dog fighting and believes that viewpoints are now changing. “What we’re seeing is just the beginning of a trend where it’s not going to be acceptable to go in and kill these animals any more. It’s going to be acceptable to go in and give these animals a chance, because that’s what they need – they need a chance at life.”
He further noted of this experience, “It was a great collaboration between a whole bunch of people; from volunteers to county shelters to rescue groups, including us. It was nice to see that a grass-roots effort can really make a difference for eight dogs.”
The stars themselves
Jennie Foster, Director of Operations for Stray Rescue of St. Louis, stated, “They were good just from the absolute beginning they came out of the crate. These dogs are just amazing; they’re just so wonderful.” Although initially worried that they would all be dog aggressive, that assumption has proved to be incorrect. Introductions to other canines have already begun.
Gorda was one of the first to be presented to another canine. In a strange twist, the other dog stiffened and lunged - from Gorda, not a peep.
Justice and Hope (shown to the right) arrived in Spokane as puppies so suffered no ill effects from their past. Now both slightly over a year old, they are fine with other dogs and ready for their forever homes.
Rita, named after the Beatles’ immortalized meter maid, believes herself to be a lap dog. Luckily full grown she is only about 40 pounds. She carries some facial scarring; however, has appeared interested in other dogs in a positive way as they pass by her doggy apartment.
Callie (shown to the right) is a total snuggler with people. She looks up with her sad eyes which just beg for you to hold her. She carries the most scars and can not interact with the other dogs. Even so, she is available for adoption to the right person who is experienced with the breed.
Zeta is also fabulous with humans, just not so good with other canines. She loves belly rubs, kisses, toys, and car rides.
Chewy is the group’s only boy and is the reason that Stray Rescue took them all in. He has barrier aggression; however, if you go into his apartment or take him out, he has no issues. He loves to lean on people and has expressed positive interest in other dogs. Foster has no doubt that he will be adoptable, perhaps even to a home with another dog.
Fatty (shown to the right) displays the greatest smile. Despite her name, she’s not fat, but is muscular and solidly built. She loves attention from people and displays interest and a wagging tail toward other dogs. She is being fostered with potential adoption interest.
“The best thing about all these dogs is they are so fabulous with humans,” noted Foster. “You can do whatever you want; you can flip them, rub their bellies, give them kisses, rub them behind the ears, and grab them and kiss them on the nose. They totally love that.”
With that much excitement, one would think the ‘Great Eight’s’ arrival would be the highlight of the year; however, you will be amazed at what else is happening at Stray Rescue. Stay tuned for more good news.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1. Please attend the second annual Barkaritaville this Saturday, August 9, which benefits Stray Rescue and The Barkley House, a facility that provides temporary housing for people who are having their animals treated at the University of Missouri-Columbia Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.
So purchase your ticket today, which includes dinner, drinks, silent auction, live music, as well as dog contests for the pups who are welcome to attend.
Date: Saturday, August 9
Time: 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Place: 3rd Degree Glass Factory
5200 Delmar
St. Louis, Missouri
Cost: $65
2. Consider adopting one of Stray Rescue’s many fabulous dogs or cats.
3. No room for another companion animal? You can help support Stray Rescue through fostering, volunteering, or donating.
Stray Rescue of St. Louis
1463 S. 18th Street
Saint Louis, Missouri 63104
Phone: 314-771-6121
For more information:
• SCRAPS Pit Bulls Need Another Miracle
• ‘Great Eight’ thriving at rescue in St. Louis
• Almost Home
Photo credit: photos courtesy of Jackie Bell of SCRAPS and Jennie Foster of Stray Rescue of St. Louis