Jett, Philly, Ziggy, & Zola are Safe!
Jett, Philly, Ziggy and Zola
Ken emailed California GSP Rescue about three Pointer pups that had shown up on his property a few days before. He wasn't sure what to do with the three playful pups and was concerned the coyotes would get them. When we called, Ken had loaded the three pups in his truck and taken them to work with him. He said it wasn't unusual for dogs to show up in the rural area he lived, but it was uncommon for dogs as young as the three pups.
He sent a photo of the three dogs. GSP’s with tails. Knowing the area, having a relationship with the local shelters, and wanting to ensure the owner an opportunity to claim his lost pups, we encouraged him to contact animal control. If he did, we would do the same to ensure the puppies would be safe. Ken called animal control, and they were out the same day. Not only would there be an opportunity for the owner to claim their dogs, but there would be documentation if a backyard breeder had nefariously dumped the pups.
A short time later, someone had sent a link to a GSP on Craigslist. That led to a look to see if any other GSP’s listed on Craigslist. While Craigslist is a common place for buying things cheap or finding items for free, it is also where individuals will give away their dogs. Not the best place to find a home for a dog.
One post popped out and was titled "German Shorthaired Pointers," and it wasn't too far from where Ken lived. The post's short description ended with "must go this weekend." The image was of four German Shorthaired Pointer pups with tails, and three looked very similar to the dogs in the pics that Ken had just sent.
When we contacted the local animal control to let them know if needed, we could assist with the pups; we also shared the post on Craigslist with the photos. The Craigslist post would provide documentation if Animal Control decided to investigate.
The next day, a fourth GSP showed up on Ken's property. She, too, had a tail and looked very similar to one of the dogs posted on Craigslist. It appeared all four dogs in the post had been dumped. The "weekend" was obviously over.
Dumping dogs where residents have long drives and large pieces of property isn't as uncommon as one might think. An uneducated person drops off a dog they cannot keep, assuming the person living at the house or one nearby will take care of their dog. The dog, if they survive the elements, coyotes, and being hit by a car, will most likely end up at an animal shelter. The animal shelter only is required to hold the dog for five days before being euthanized.
Fortunately for Jett, Philly, Ziggy, & Zola, California GSP Rescue started making tentative plans to transport them from the animal shelter after the holding period. There wouldn't be any threat of euthanasia.
Volunteers Mariann, John, and David quickly agreed to help when they learned the story of the four pups being dumped. The day the pups were made available to rescue, Mariann and John showed up early as it would be over an hour to where they were to meet David. Volunteer Mariann noted personalities before she met David. Jett, Philly, Ziggy, & Zola were cute, squishy, and full of energy, but they eventually settled down. At the end of the transport, all four would be in the care of California GSP Rescue and one step closer to their forever home. Thanks to the help of several individuals that think dumping pups is disgraceful and reprehensible.
California GSP Rescue is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. Through the help of individuals like John, Mariann, David, & Greg, we can help deal with the pet overpopulation at the animal shelters and the needless euthanasia of unwanted pets. We do this by focusing primarily on one breed - German Shorthaired Pointers. With the help of donations and the Rescue Heroes, we can care for the dogs while we find dogs like Jett, Philly, Ziggy, & Zola forever homes. If you want to help make a difference, consider volunteering, making a donation or becoming a Rescue Hero.
