News
A Rescuer and 13 Desperate Dogs
January 14, 2009, 10:5PM MT
By Heather Ballance
Alabama canines need homes before February 1, 2009
Alabama canines need homes before February 1, 2009
You may be familiar with the story of Carrol Crocker from Rainsville, AL. Carrol is a 66 year old retired flight attendant and has been taking in stray dogs in her town for nearly 18 years. There is no animal control or nearby rescues in Rainsville. The community would come to her with homeless pets, knowing she would take them in and provide a safe home on her five acres of land.
Carrol would feed and vet each dog, with only her pension to fund her efforts. Due to a fire in 2007, Carrol lost her home along with quite a few animals and she was forced to move into a detached garage without heat or running water.
The city took her to court for zoning violations with an eventual ruling that is forcing her to give up her dogs, all but three.
The good news is when Best Friends first put out a story on Carrol in September 2008, the animal welfare community really came forward and helped her re-home nearly 80 dogs in just four months! The bad news is time is running out, adoptions are slow and there are still 13 dogs left in immediate danger.
(Georgie - available for adoption)
I have had the great pleasure to know Carrol and her dogs. She is an amazing lady and an inspiration to anyone who rescues animals. I have spent several days on Carrol’s property with other rescue friends and we can all tell you her dogs are healthy, well socialized and good natured dogs. I foster one of her dogs and helped place eight others of her rescues at Our Pals Place, a private shelter I volunteer with. Her dogs are a joy and I am constantly surprised by how well her dogs have done in their new environments. Apparently one woman’s love and care has made a difference in their lives.
(Carrol and Beauregard)
However, these remaining dogs are now at serious risk of being taken and destroyed. There is a two week deadline and we need your help. Rainsville is an estimated two hours from the Atlanta area. Rescues, fosters and adopters are needed to save these dogs. We need transport assistance as well. If you can help, please visit the following links. Please help share Carrol’s story with other people, so that her last 13 dogs get a chance at a loving and full-filled life.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
? Adoptable dogs:
• http://www.forgottenpaws.com/GreenAcres.htm
? Contacts for adoption, rescue and transport:
• Morgan at Forgotten Paws: forgottenpaws@yahoo.com
• Pam Stenger - Volunteer: zazu-uzaz@yahoo.com
? Contact for general questions to help Carrol (donations, etc):
• Bill Russell - Volunteer: wmrussell1@yahoo.com
For more information:
• Rescuing the Rescuer
• Hope 4 Dogs Blog
Posted by: Heather Ballance, Best Friends Network Volunteer
Photo credit: Heather Ballance